Large Brown Stoneware Lidded Pot Monogram ‘A’

This is a highly attractive stoneware lidded pot, maker unknown. The pot is of classic bulbous shape, tapering in towards the base. It also tapers in towards the rim, which is of flattened galleried form. The whole is decorated with a horizontal ringed design. It is glazed on the interior and on the top quarter of the piece with a pale matte speckled brown. The remainder of the body is glazed in a dark brown and black streaked design that is very glossy and almost slightly metallic in finish. The lid is domed with a central flattened discoid knop. The latter is glazed in glossy brown; the remainder is in the same speckled brown as the body. Although I have not been able to identify the potter, I feel that this piece may have been influenced by pieces produced by the Leach Pottery, as it is simple in form and with minimal use of glazes. It is possible that it was produced by a contemporary of Bernard Leach. The base is unglazed, revealing the underlying ceramic to the stoneware. It is marked in the middle with what appears to be a stylised ‘A’, although it could also be a ‘V’. It has a maximum height of approximately 25.0cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 11.8cm and across the base of about 8.5cm. It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks.