ORIGINAL ANTIQUE 1906 HAND TURNED VAN BRIGGLE PITCHER; ONE OF A KIND!

Description

Here is an extremely rare, one of a kind, small pitcher from just two years after Artus Van Briggle died.  In my mind's eye I can see Anna writing the fine inscriptions on the base of this item, while worrying about the future of the Pottery and heart broken over the loss of her brilliant husband.  Artus and Anna took the VB pottery from a wish to world renowned in just 5 years, before the ravages of tuberculosis killed Artus.  This is die-stamped #432 which usually was the design number, with a fine grained beige colored clay mix likely mined from local Colorado clays.   Also, the bottom is incised with the VB logo (conjoined AA in a box), and the words, "VAN BRIggLE" in a unique configuration with the "V" looking like a check mark, and the "A" dropped somewhat below the check mark, as if on a 1/2 line below the rest of the writing.  This is a unique marking used by only one very early artist, as several other similar inscriptions are visible in Sasicki and Fania's volume on VB, p. 18.  There is also a black ink "X"  likely added after firing.  This pitcher is hand thrown, with the finger grooves clearly evident inside.  The square handle is smoothly attached, and is just a tiny bit off center at the bottom where it joins the base, adding to the proof of hand assembly.  This art piece is sprayed with Artus' unique finish discovery; the buttery, velvet smooth "Ming Pottery" finish in a light blue, and then oversprayed with a frothy yellow spray, creating a fascinating transition from blue to yellow up the art piece.  Near the top the yellow overspray has an "oatmeal" appearance.  This unique finish to the overcoating is common only on the very earliest VB items.  Collectors often refer to this crackle finish as "oatmeal", "whipped", or "curdled".
The interior of the pitcher is smoothly coated with clear high gloss glaze and the Ming overglaze extends about 1/2 inch into the mouth, providing a smooth transition to the two types of glaze.  There are a few other items to note:  There are a few metal or pencil markings on the surface which are clearly shown in the pictures, but which I have chosen to not remove.  Because they are on the surface, they may be removed by the next owner.  There is light crackalure over the smooth surfaces, which is expected in VB pottery of this age.  The pitcher is 5 inches tall, with a 1.5 inch opening and about a 4 inch diameter base.  Shipping (with insurance) is free in the United States.  Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have.
I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about these unique and talented potters and their lovely artistry!  Please feel free to make a counter offer if my asking price is too high for you.  I would love to see this wonderful piece find a new home.
p.s.  In conversations with other collectors, I have found two similar antique art pieces but with different glaze finishes.  The other two were hand made like this one, but none were ever put into production.
Key search words: Rookwood, Hull, Mc Coy, Red Wing, Hager
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