Burlon Craig Face Jug Value Guide

Burlon Craig was a master of the Catawba Valley tradition, renowned for reviving the 19th-century Southern face jug form using local clay and wood-fired kilns. These stoneware pieces are highly collectible due to their expressive features and their direct lineage to the historic pottery techniques of North Carolina.

What affects the value of Burlon Craig Face Jug?

• Overall condition, specifically looking for chips on the delicate ears, teeth, or nose.
• The complexity of the face, with more elaborate or 'grotesque' expressions typically commanding higher prices.
• The quality and movement of the alkaline glaze, particularly those with desirable 'tobacco spit' streaks.
• Size and provenance, as larger examples or those from well-documented collections often reach the $850 range.

How to Identify Burlon Craig Face Jug?

• Look for the characteristic runny, drippy alkaline glaze typical of Catawba Valley stoneware.
• Examine the facial features for hand-applied clay eyes, teeth, and noses that exhibit Craig's signature expressive style.
• Check the base for a stamped 'B.B. CRAIG' or 'B.B.C.' mark, though some early pieces may be unsigned.
• Verify the presence of a wood-fired finish, which often results in unique ash deposits and color variations on the surface.

History of Burlon Craig Face Jug

Burlon Craig was a highly respected American folk potter from the Catawba Valley in North Carolina. Born in 1914, he began his pottery career as a young man and continued the region's rich tradition of utilitarian stoneware. Craig became particularly famous for his "face jugs," a form with roots in 19th-century Southern pottery, often attributed to enslaved African American potters. His work is highly sought after by collectors and is featured in numerous museums and private collections, cementing his legacy as a master of Southern folk art.