John E. Kille
Bell Family Presentation Jar

Ceramics in America 2005

Full Article
Contents
  • Figure 1
    Figure 1

    Storage jar, Solomon and John Bell, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, 1874. Salt-glazed stoneware. H. 17". (Author’s collection; unless otherwise noted, photos by Gavin Ashworth.) This six-gallon presentation piece is impressed “John Bell, Waynesboro” under its handle and matching lid.

  • Figure 2
    Figure 2

    Detail of the inscription on the base of the jar illustrated in fig. 1, which reads: “January the / 1 1874 / Made by Solomon Bell / for Tillie Bell / Waynesboro / Pa.”

  • Figure 3
    Figure 3

    Detail of the T in cobalt decoration on the jar illustrated in fig. 1.

  • Figure 4
    Figure 4

    Storage jar, Solomon and John Bell, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, 1874. Salt-glazed stoneware. H. 11 1/4". (Courtesy, Dr. Robert Steiner; photo, James Smith.)

  • Figure 5
    Figure 5

    Auction catalog cover for 1935 public sale of Myrtle E. Deardorff estate. (Courtesy, Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library.)

  • Figure 6
    Figure 6

    Attributed to Tillie Bell, Portrait of John Bell, late nineteenth century. Pastel on paper. 32'' x 24''. (Courtesy, Renfrew Museum; photo, James Smith.)