Antique Salt-Glazed Stoneware Ovoid Jar

This is an antique ovoid-shaped stoneware jar featuring a classic salt-glazed finish with distinctive blue cobalt banding. The vessel exhibits a rounded, bulbous body tapering down to a slightly narrower base, with a short, upright collar at the rim. The material is a dense, high-fired ceramic typically used for utilitarian storage in the 19th century. The exterior glaze possesses a characteristic 'orange peel' texture, a result of the salt-glazing process where common salt is thrown into the kiln during firing. There are two horizontal blue cobalt bands encircling the upper shoulder, which serve as simple folk-art decoration. The color is a neutral grey-tan with visible dark mineral inclusions and speckling known as 'peppering' throughout. In terms of condition, there are visible surface imperfections including kiln-born firing pits and minor abrasions consistent with age. Significant craquelure or fine glaze crazing is visible towards the neck and shoulder. No maker's marks are visible in this view, though the style is reminiscent of American Northeastern or Mid-Atlantic stoneware from the mid-to-late 1800s. The craftsmanship is robust and functional, showcasing the handmade nature of historical pottery through slightly irregular symmetry and varying glaze thickness.