Premier Auction
Sat, Jul 10, 2021 09:00AM EDT
Lot 827
Rare and Important Edgefield Dave Drake Attributed Mystery Inscription Jar
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(Edgefield, South Carolina, b. circa 1800, d. after 1873)ÿ light olive green alkaline glaze with tannish orange speckles, lopsided tapered ovoid form, apparent two line faint inscription under one of the two lug handles, top line possibly starting with the word "The...." or "he...." followed by an indiscernible word obscured by the end of the handle, first word of the second line is obscured by the opposite end of the handle but appears to finish with "...on's" or "...un's" at the shoulder under the middle of the handle, it is speculated that the last word on the second line could be "Anniversary" but the tail end of the handle has been smoothed over the middle of the word obscuring vital letters, the "y" or "g" at the end of the last word has the same looping finish as other "y" and "g" letters used in Dave's dates and inscriptions by comparison, there are other similarities with letters in this inscription when compared to other known scripted Dave pieces as well, like the letters "...he..." and the "...s",ÿ two upturned lug handles at shoulder adjacent to curved neck, tooled angled rim, 15 in.ÿ
Provenance: The Collection of Carl and Marian MullisNote:Is it possible this jar was produced during Dave Drake's silent period from 1843-1849 and he was made to cover up the inscription? If not, was the maker simply unhappy with the inscription? However, this inscription doesn't appear to match any other known inscriptions that exist.ÿ Could this be a Anniversary jar made for the commemoration of a place or an event pertaining to one of Dave's acquaintances? Further study and investigation may reveal the answer. Previously offered at Charlton Hall Galleries during the June 5th and 6th 2010 sale. The jar has been on loan to the Georgia Museum of Art since time of purchase from 2010 to 2021.
Condition
glaze voids and anomalies as made, 7 in. stabilized hairline down from rimÿ to belly of jar, mirrored in interior,ÿ minor glaze frits on rim, 3 tiny glaze frits to one handle, 6 clay body blowouts likely as made, minor firing hairlines to exterior body, firing anomalies to clay body interior, firing separations to interior base edge, firing separations where handles meet neck, illumination to exterior of jar under black light possibly due to residue
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