MOUNT CRAWFORD, VA. — An expected standout in Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates’ Americana and antiques auction June 16–17 delivered a robust result as the Anna Pottery stoneware presentation vase made in 1885 by master potter Cornwall Elihu Kirkpatrick (1814–1890) for his daughter Amy R. Kirkpatrick, then aged 22 or 23, attained $64,350.
The vase, salt-glazed with brushed cobalt highlights, features an angelic portrait of a young girl, most likely Cornwall’s daughter Amy, having finely molded facial features and incised flowing hair, as the potter made the vase for his daughter. Balancing tender with tough, the vase features two striking eagle-head handles with each eagle’s mouth clutching a struggling fish that is well detailed with scales and fins. The vase was acquired directly from the Kirkpatrick family and had descended in the family for four generations.
The pottery, run until 1894 by Cornwall and his brother, Wallace, is well known for its temperance jugs as both brothers were ardent supporters of the temperance movement. Both were also active in civic causes in Anna, Ill., so they often made presentation jugs.
A complete report on the sale will appear in a future edition.