Maker
Roark Pottery Company(American, active c. 1868–1884)American, active c. 1868–1884
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Eight-Gallon Jar
Datec. 1868–1884
Made inTexas, United States
MediumSalt-glazed stoneware with applied cobalt slip decoration
Dimensions19 × 10 in. diameter (48.3 × 25.4 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2012.108
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Ceramics Study Room
On view
Explore Further
Department
Bayou BendObject Type
James Roark was the son-in-law of Denton County, Texas, potter John Cranston. After working for his in-laws, he established his own shop not long after John Cranston’s death. Like his father-in-law, he sometimes used cobalt slip to decorate his pots, a technique common in the Northeast and Midwest, but rare in Texas.
This jar features five quickly drawn ovals in cobalt slip, positioned as if they were leaves on a stem that was never added to the image. In addition, it bears an impressed maker’s mark “ROARK” and an incised eight-gallon capacity mark.
Provenance[Jon St. Clair, Austin]; purchased by William J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston, 2010; given to MFAH, 2012.
Exhibition History"Made in Texas: Art, Life and Culture: 1845–1900," Beeville Art Museum, Texas, September 20, 2014–January 10, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Impressed below the neck: "ROARK" in an arc
Incised below the neck: "8"
Incised below the neck: "8"
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
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