Barrel-Form Salt Shaker
Ceramic, functional table pottery • Mass-produced commercial pottery; similar to designs by McCoy, Hull, or Red Wing Pottery
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Americana / Folk-Industrial Design
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware with a yellowware or ocher-toned lead-glaze; molded construction with salt/pepper perforations (presumably at top or bottom)
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in height; cylindrical/ovoid format
Subject Description
A utilitarian object designed in the trompe-l'oeil shape of a wooden barrel, featuring vertical staves and horizontal bands representing iron hoops
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glaze remains glossy with consistent coloring, though minor surface wear is likely given its age
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private American household or estate; currently located in a second-hand or antique retail setting based on background context
Art Historical Significance
Represents the trend of 'novelty ware' in American kitchen ceramics, reflecting a domestic aesthetic that prioritized rustic or agrarian themes in post-war homes
Notable Features
Distinctive yellowware-style glaze that mimics the look of early 19th-century stoneware while utilizing modern molding techniques
Condition Issues
Possible minor crazing (typical for this type of glaze), shelf wear on the base, and potential accumulation of debris in the incised lines
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with non-abrasive soap and water; avoid high-heat dishwashers to prevent glaze cracking or thermal shock