Bidspirit auction | Extremely Rare Signed ”S. RISLEY

Extremely Rare Signed ”S. RISLEY / NORWICH” Connecticut Relief-Molded Rockingham-Glazed Stoneware - Extremely Rare Signed ”S. RISLEY / NORWICH” Connecticut Relief-Molded Rockingham-Glazed Stoneware Corn Pitcher Thick straw-colored Rockingham glaze over buff stoneware body with highly unusual blue-, white-, and reddish-brown slips applied around body and rim; slender low-bellied form relief-molded with ears of corn on either side, applied cornstalk handle with additional colored glaze highlights, and round foot stamped ”S. RISLEY / NORWICH / 3” to underside. Third quarter 19th century. Dimensions: 6 3/4” H, 3 3/8” D foot. Condition: Undamaged with heavy crazing, as made, and some minor roughness/rubbing along top surface of rim. Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Catalogue Note: Retains an old sticker, predating its purchase, which reads ”Extremely Rare, None Ever Found”. The statement is apparently true to this day, although related examples can be seen in various collections including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession no. ”2011.321.26”) and the Connecticut Historical Society. One is also pictured by Lura Woodside Watkins in her book ”Early New England Potters and their Wares”, where it is shown as figure 120a. Watkins briefly discusses Risley's production of Rockingham ware and states that the firm started producing molded ware in 1855. She further states that the ware is often a ”lighter and brigher tone than the usual Rockingham”, which is true for this example (Watkins 1950, pg. 189-190). Still, in this outstanding and colorful glaze treatment, the piece appears to be unique. For another signed Risley piece with a more subdued version of this glaze treatment, see Crocker Farm's Spring 2022 auction, lot 107. Auctioneer's Note: We are thrilled to bring the Stradling Study Collection to market in partnership with Connor Rush of SFR Antiques, whose help and scholarship enabled the completion of this session's catalogue. A bibliography for the sale can be found here: ( https://bit.ly/3RYodeh ). For questions about lots 1 through 111 in this sale, or for help accessing the bibliography, please reach out to connor@nyeandcompany.com. Condition: Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.