Rare Vertical-Handled Stoneware Jar with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Decoration, Northeastern U.S. origin, second half 18th century, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, vertical strap handles, and flared rim with inner molding for lid. Decorated on the front and reverse with an unusual slip-trailed design of a wavy lines flanking a row of spots. Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Includes a fitting lid of a different color. (Whether this lid is original to the jar or not is undetermined.) This jar is the first of its type we have seen. Its highly unusual form, which differs markedly from other documented vertical-handled jars of the 18th century, suggests it may have been produced during a particularly early period of manufacture, or produced by a lesser known maker. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor decades ago. A restored 1 7/8" x 2" loss to rim and a restored 7/8" chip to exterior of rim. A large, sealed Y-shaped crack on one side, connecting to a web of thin sealed lines on underside. Underside of lid with a small chip and a few tiny nicks. H (excluding lid) 13 1/2".