Rare Antique African-American Southern Stoneware Bank Circa 1890-1940/Unsigned/Tobacco Spit Glaze/Black Man Start Price USD 9.00 Current Price USD 560.01 Time Left - Bid Count 38 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, August 28, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location San Francisco, CA See more about 'Rare Antique African-American Southern Stoneware Bank' Description * NO RESERVE AUCTION * Antique American Folk Art Stoneware BankTobacco Spit Glaze - Southern Nice old glazed stoneware sculptural bank in the form of an African-American man's portrait bust. This piece is unsigned and looks to be Southern American in origin. Although somewhat difficult to tell the age of the piece, by the style of the sculpting, the glaze, patina, and the type of neckware that the subject is wearing, I suspect that this piece dates between 1890 and 1940, most likely circa 1910s or 1920s in my opinion. This piece measures 7.5" tall x 6.75" wide (ear to ear) x 7.75" deep (nose to back of the head).The sculpture is quite heavy, weighing 4 lbs. 15 oz. Although this stoneware head is in the form of a bank, with a slot to put money in at the top of the forehead, it has never been used as for that purpose and was probably made more as a portrait sculpture. This idea is apparent as the money slot is partially blocked by a drip of glaze and was never unblocked. The features of the subject are distinctly African American in form and the sculptural style is very much in the WPA early - 20th century manner. The glaze is a traditional Southern American "tabacco spit" glaze and is beautifully applied with different variations in thickness in different areas of the piece. The man's hair is beautifully incised into the clay and there is a large spot of "tobacco spit" on the top of his head. The bottom of the piece looks very old, with two areas of the stoneware body showing through.The face is very expressive and the man is portrayed in a very distinguished and respectful manner. This sculpture is perfectly executed in every way and there is no doubt that the artist who made it was a professional ceramist, sculptor, and artist. I have not been able to attribute this piece to any particular stoneware potter, but there is no doubt that this potter-artist did not make this piece only.If I receive any attributions or definite information as to the artist or exact origin I will add it to the description, so please check the bottom of the page from time to time. I suspect that this piece may come from North Carolina, but I have also seen similar glazes used by Lanier Meaders from Georgia, on his face jugs. This piece is in excellent condition with no damage or previous repairs. There are no chips, no hairlines, and no repairs. This is a museum quality piece of American stoneware and the new owner will be very pleased with it. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THIS PIECE SIZE: 7.5" tall x 6.75" wide (ear to ear) x 7.75" deep (nose to back of the head). WEIGHT:4 lbs. 15 oz.This piece will be carefully packed and double-boxed for safe arrival to it's new owner. AGE:Early 20th century (or earlier) MARKS / SIGNATURES:None. CONDITION:Excellent condition, as shown in the photographs and described above.No damage, no hairlines, no chips, no repairs.Bottom looks old. PROVENANCE:San Francisco estate. SHIPPING, PACKING, & HANDLING:Shipping by UPS Ground, unless otherwise requested.International Bidders must pay with Paypal. Please e-mail for shipping quote.There are no packing or handling charges for this item.This piece will be carefully packed for safe arrival to its new owner. PLEASE CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL PHOTOS BELOW FOR A LARGER IMAGE                     This piece will be a fine addition to any collection of American stoneware pottery and look great in any Primitive, Folk Art, Americana, or Country Style decor. I have provided a number of photographs so that you can see the details and condition. Please bookmark my sellers page as I am continually offering fine items from estates and my own collection.NO RESERVE Thanks very much for looking and for your bids!TO CHECK MY OTHER AUCTIONSCLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS BELOW Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. If you have any questions, need more information or more photos about this or any of my other eBay auctions, please feel free to send me an e-mail.This piece is guaranteed to be authentic, as described, and to your satisfaction, with a full money-back guarantee, including return shipping, if returned promptly and in good condition. SHIPPING Shipping is by UPS Ground unless otherwise requested.An alternate service will be used for shipping to P.O. Boxes. For shipping cost please request a shipping quote. All items are carefully packed for safe arrival to you. We use plenty of popcorn and bubble-wrap. Glass, ceramic, or delicate items are double-boxed.There are no packing or handling charges for this item.Please e-mail with any questions about shipping or packingPAYMENT Payment may be made by: PERSONAL CHECK, MONEY ORDER, or CREDIT CARD via PAYPAL. Checks may take up to 10 business days to clear.INTERNATIONAL BUYERS MUST PAY WITH PAYPAL. Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed! 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