Crock
Period1802
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSalt glazed stoneware
Dimensions13.5 × 11.25 in. (34.3 × 28.6 cm)
InscribedAn inscription is incised in cursive reading "For The True Repuplican of middletown Pint [sic] CS Aug 9 1802."
MarkingsAccession number L1979.
ClassificationsStoneware
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number2023.501
DescriptionA large bellied crock of salt glazed stoneware, in a dark grayish brown tone. The vessel's rimless foot measures 6 1/2 inches in diameter, widening to 11 1/4 inches in diameter at its largest. The body itself is quite thick, with a rim edge of one half inch and collar of 1 3/4 inches. Both base and wide rim are incised with multiple stacked rings. The crock's pair of freestanding handles (one broken off and missing) are heavy and smoothly applied to the body, with a handle diameter of one inch. The crock's rim is noticeably uneven, appearing more oval than circular, with the rim edge dipping slightly on one side. The vessel is decorated in a lively and elaborate manner. The front portion features a bold and simple inscribed motif of three ovoids flanked on the left by a "eye" and leaf and on the right with a freeform double lobe and leaf, all highlighted with carefully applied cobalt blue glaze. Pairs of brackets are incised between the three lobes and are not picked out or highlighted with blue. Under the existing handle, an incised decoration of three lobes or petals alternating with three elements resembling holly leaves are highlighted with blue glaze. On the back of the crock, a graceful floral/foliate design featuring a pair of scrolling vines ending in lobe and leaf blossoms, along with lobed ornamentation along the vine itself, is all highlighted with cobalt blue. Under the second handle, now missing, is a relatively simple motif of four incised lobes picked out in blue with small incised brackets between each lobe. The crock includes a commemorative inscription reaching around the entire body, reading "For The True Repuplican of middletown Pint CS Augst 9 1802." Many of the cursive letters as well as portions of the date are picked out in cobalt blue glaze. The crock's interior is coated with dark brown Albany slip.Curatorial RemarksThe inclusion of "middletown Pint," or Middletown Point, indicates Chrineyonce's possible connection to what is today part of upper Matawan. The docks and landings along that area served as a major point to and from New York. Monmouth's farmers brought their produce and livestock to load onto the sloops and schooners anchored there, bringing their cargo to the big New York City markets. Businessmen often had commemorative or specially-decorated and inscribed stoneware pieces. The Association has a number of these commemorative or personalized stoneware crocks and jugs in the collection for other Monmouth County businessmen and merchants. Although the maker of this piece is unknown, it may have originated from one of the interrelated stoneware potteries of the Morgan or Van Wickle family members. Several of the motifs, in particular the "eye and leaf" elements, bear strong resemblance to the pieces produced by Nicholas Van Wickle at Old Bridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Pottery workers were frequently transient, moving back and forth within the larger stoneware industry, making exact identification sometimes challenging.NotesChrineyonce Schenck is identified as the "C S" inscribed on this commemorative or specialty stoneware crock. Born on 29 December 1760 to Middletown residents John Schenck and Neelje Bennet, Chrineyonce married Margaret "Peggy" Polhemus on 2 November 1793.. The couple had Three children. A description of Chrineyonce, along with several anecdotal stories, appears in George Beekman's 1915 "Early Dutch Settlers of Monmouth County." Beekman relates that Chrineyonce Schenck's "voice was very deep and gruff, and when angry or in earnest, it deepend to a roar, or as an enemy remarked, like the savage growl of a bear with a sore head." Beekman hastened to add, however, that "no man was more considerate to his wife, children and friends than he." Schenck's will seems to bear this out. He included specific and extensive instructions for the comfort of his wife, Peggy, including the direction that "firewood [be] cut and carted to the door and fire made on for her." In addition, Schenck directed that a carriage be made available to her whenever she wished to attend church or "visit with friends at any time." The date of August 9 1802, so prominently inscribed on the crock, has yet to be identified as to its connection with Chrineyonce Schenck.
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