11.75" x 11.75" Dia.

American, likely New York State. 1870s. These large open crocks featuring a cobalt chicken pecking kernels of corn from the ground beneath are very popular with American collectors, and very few ever migrate north of the border. The style of this bird with its long tail feathers appears to be a rooster rather than a hen, which is much less common. The heavily salt-glazed surface adds character to this crock. The cracks have been stabilized with glue and do not affect the decoration. Stamped, "4", just below the rim.

8" crack starts at rim on left side and curves down to the chicken's neck. Midway down from that is a 1.5" crack extending left. A third crack extends from the first, about 8" diagonally across the front through the chicken's back. Two faint 3/4" cracks on rim extending down, just above left lug handle. A few tiny chips along front of rim.

Salt-glazed stoneware.