Lanier Meaders Face Jug Value Guide

This Lanier Meaders face jug represents a pinnacle of 20th-century American folk art, crafted by the renowned third-generation potter in Cleveland, Georgia. These stoneware vessels are highly collectible for their raw, expressive features and their role in reviving the Southern pottery tradition between 1975 and 1985.

What affects the value of Lanier Meaders Face Jug?

• The presence and integrity of the original rock teeth significantly impact the market value of $750-$900.
• Overall glaze quality and the absence of chips or cracks on the delicate facial features like the nose and ears.
• The intensity and uniqueness of the facial expression, as more 'grotesque' or vivid faces often command higher prices.
• Provenance and clear evidence of the 1975-1985 production period, which is a highly desirable era for Meaders collectors.

How to Identify Lanier Meaders Face Jug?

• Look for the characteristic use of unshaped rock fragments for teeth, a hallmark of Lanier Meaders' mid-career style.
• Verify the presence of a traditional alkaline glaze, often appearing in shades of olive green or tobacco brown.
• Check for the hand-incised signature 'Lanier Meaders' typically found on the base of the vessel.
• Examine the heavy, wheel-turned stoneware body which should show consistent craftsmanship characteristic of the 1975-1985 era.

History of Lanier Meaders Face Jug

Face jugs originated in the 19th century among African American potters in the Edgefield district of South Carolina. These unique stoneware vessels, often adorned with expressive facial features, were used for various purposes, including holding water or liquor. Over time, the tradition evolved, particularly in the American South, with different potters developing their own distinct styles. Lanier Meaders, a renowned third-generation potter from Cleveland, Georgia, was a prominent figure in the 20th century folk pottery revival. His face jugs, especially those with rock teeth, are highly sought after by collectors and are celebrated for their raw, expressive artistry.