Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "N. CLARK & CO / LYONS", New York State origin, circa 1845, ovoid churn with tooled shoulder, flared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a finely slip-trailed design of a flowering plant bearing tulips, buds, and large leaves. Wonderful detail throughout, including stylized veining to leaves, wavy trails to interior of flowers, spotted accents, and heavy shading to the leaf and flower tips. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Slip-trailed "3" to right of maker's mark. Excellent form, maker, color, and decoration. The distinctive design on this churn suggests it was possibly decorated by Thompson Harrington, who operated Nathan Clark's Lyons operation during this period. Excellent overall condition. A short surface line at base. Two small rim chips on reverse, one of which appears to have occurred in the firing. Two minor in-the-firing chips on underside at edge. A minor base chip on side of churn. A 1" iron ping to interior. H 15 1/2".