Horror Mug Appraisal

Sculpted Devil/Demon Stoneware Mug

This item is a novelty stoneware mug, distinguished by its unique design that appears to represent a devil or demonic creature's head and clawed foot. The primary material is stoneware, indicated by its robust appearance and the 'Stoneware' context provided. It features a rich, glossy dark red or burgundy glaze covering most of its surface, along with contrasting black elements. The mug's body is shaped cylindrically, flaring slightly towards the rim, which appears somewhat irregularly formed, suggesting a handcrafted or sculpted aesthetic. Observable features include two prominent protrusions near the rim, on the front, which function as eye sockets, glazed in black on the interior to create an empty, hollowed-out effect. Below these 'eyes,' the mug's surface is sculpted to suggest facial features, though abstractly. The most striking detail is at the base, where the mug transitions into a sculpted 'foot' with three prominent claw-like toes, each finished in a glossy black glaze, providing a stark contrast to the red body. A central, vertical protrusion, also in black, extends from the base, resembling a fourth digit or a tail-like appendage, further emphasizing the creature motif. The handle on the side is also sculpted, appearing to be an extension of the creature's form, possibly mimicking a horn or a serpentine tail, with a textured or ridged surface. There's a small white string or thread tied around the handle, which might be a tag remnant or a decorative element. The overall construction suggests a hand-sculpted quality, with visible variations in the glaze application and surface texture, contributing to its unique character. No visible manufacturing marks or signatures are discernible from the image. The condition appears good, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant wear visible, and the glaze maintains its high sheen. The piece likely dates from the late 20th century to early 21st century, given its novelty design and glazing style. It exhibits characteristics of folk art or artisan pottery, emphasizing creative expression over mass production. The 'eyes' and 'claws' are well-integrated into the form, showcasing attention to detail in the sculptural aspects.