BLUE COBALT TRIPLE TULIP DECORATED STONEWARE CHURN 1830

~ RARE PRIMITIVE BLUE COBALT TRIPLE TULIP DECORATED THREE GALLON STONEWARE CHURN c1830 ~

~ Primitive Beauty/Large Triple Tulip Decoration ~

~ BUY IT NOW/BEST OFFER ~

This Buy It Now/Best Offer listing is for a rare primitive blue cobalt large triple tulip decorated three gallon size stoneware churn of either Southern or Northeast origin. This fresh to market antique is one of the last and finest remaining pieces I was lucky enough to obtain from the collection of Ms. Sally Schell Whittemore of Illinois. Ms. Whittemore was a well known and profuse collector of fine antiques and primitives and had one of the finest collections in the country. This beautifully decorated heavy and thick 15 1/2" high stoneware churn is no exception! This piece is in remarkable condition given it's extreme age, easily evident in it's crude uneven shape and primitive dark blue cobalt decoration. The aged golden honey-brown patina is of unmatched beauty.

 I'm unsure what part of the country this richly decorated tall and narrow stoneware churn originates from. It could be of Southern as well as Northeast origin and definitely dates to c1830. It's early origin and primitive nature is easily evident in the uneven contours at the sides of the cylindrical body and slighly out of round rim. It has two crude yet expertly applied horseshoe-shaped lug handles. The salt glaze was evenly applied over the entire piece, leaving a smooth shiny finish that shows light wear in some areas consistent with it's extreme age. It has developed an unmatched golden honey-brown patina over time.

The most unusual part of this churn is that the stamped "3" for the capacity of the churn is stamped on the top back of the piece! I've never seen one with the capacity stamped on the back, it's always stamped at the top front of the churn or crock. The large dark blue triple tulip plant decoration covers the entire front of the churn. It has an unusual rough texture but no frying. It appears the blue cobalt used was some of the earliest made and used due to it's primitive nature. The dark blue cobalt decoration contrasts very well with the golden honey-brown aged patina and adds great crudity and character to the piece. There is an large turned ring encircling the piece just above the abundant decoration. Above that is an extra thick 1 3/8" wide protruding rim. This primitive blue cobalt triple tulip decorated stoneware churn is unique and highly collectible. A rare and superior display piece just in time for the upcoming holiday season!

 This early 19th century stoneware churn is in excellent condition given it's extreme age. There are no chips, nips, fleabites, cracks, or repairs. Even the interior lip where a lid once sat has no fleabites or other damage. There are none of the commonly found potstone marks in most stoneware products produced in the early 19th century, further proof of the fine quality raw stoneware used at the time. There is one small "issue" being a small 2" long superfine hairline at the surface only at the bottom front of the piece. It does not go through to the inside and is so fine it cannot be felt with a fingernail. Please see pictures for further detail. This rare churn is chock full of crudity and character! The dark brown Albany Slip interior is excellent.   

Dimensions: 15 1/2" high with a 8 1/4" diameter base. The crudely shaped out of round rim diameter is 8 1/4 x 7 1/2"

Weight: 13lbs 3ozs

A rare one of a kind dark blue cobalt triple tulip decorated stoneware churn c1830 in outstanding condition. One of the very last remaining pieces from the renowned Sally Schell Whittemore of Illinois collection. A fresh to market antique ready to add to your collection of fine primitive decorated stoneware. The perfect touch to a high country kitchen or anywhere you please offered in a low Buy It Now/Best Offer listing with all serious offers entertained. Insurance is included in the shipping charge which is based on the heavy weight and size of this piece.