Antique Hand-Painted Stoneware Canning Crock with Yellow Rim

This item is an antique canning crock, likely made from stoneware or redware pottery, characterized by its sturdy, cylindrical form. The main body of the crock displays a natural, unglazed or lightly salt-glazed earthen tone, appearing in shades of charcoal grey or muted brown, indicative of its age and firing process. A distinctive feature is the broad, rounded rim at the top, which is coated in a vibrant, contrasting mustard-yellow glaze. This yellow band extends down the neck of the crock, creating a visually appealing transition. The most prominent decorative element is a hand-painted cobalt blue or dark grey design on the side, depicting what appears to be a fruit, possibly an apple or gourd, with two accompanying leaves. The brushstrokes are visible, suggesting a rustic, folk-art quality to the decoration. The crock exhibits visible signs of wear consistent with its age and intended utilitarian purpose. There is likely expected patina, minor surface imperfections, and possibly crazing in the glaze, though these are not clearly visible in the provided image. The interior is not visible but would typically be glazed for canning purposes. Its construction suggests it was used for food preservation, implying durability and thick walls. The overall craftsmanship points to a period when such items were handmade and widely used in households for storage and canning, likely dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. The unique combination of the earthy body, yellow rim, and dark painted fruit distinguishes it as a notable example of a canning crock.