BALTIMORE, MARYLAND DECORATED STONEWARE COOLER, salt-glazed, approximately three-gallon capacity with a curious "I" mark, ovoid body with two incised shoulder rings, cylindrical neck, rounded rim, upright open double-groove handles, circular bung hole, and flanged foot. Brushed cobalt four-bloom double-stem floral decoration on both sides and three leaves on either side of neck, additional cobalt at handle terminals. Probably the pottery of Peter Herrmann (1825-1901) or Henry Myers (n.d.). Circa 1850. 14 1/4" H, 8 1/2" D rim, 9 1/2" D foot.
Literature: See Zipp - "Henry Remmey & Son, Late of New York: A Rediscovery of a Master Potter's Lost Years", Ceramics in America 2004, p. 150, fig. 11 for an example of nearly identical form stamped for Henry Myers.
Provenance: The collection of Ronnie and Neal Kite of Esmont, VA.
Catalogue Note: While this cooler's form is the same as the above referenced Henry Myers' example, the decoration is more closely associated with Peter Herrmann. This raises the question of whether Herrmann worked for Myers during his early years, or did the "clover" decoration evolve at Myers' shop and was later transferred to Herrmann's pottery by a former Myers' worker. See Kille - "Distinguishing Marks and Flowering Designs: Baltimore's Utilitarian Stoneware Industry", Ceramics in America 2005, p. 120, fig. 55 for a jar decorated with two clover leaves and stamped for Myers & Bokke of Baltimore.
Condition
One handle replaced, otherwise excellent with only a shallow chip to the side of the other handle.