Antique Catawba Valley NC Pottery Burlon Craig 5 Gallon Crock Churn B. B. Craig

  

This antique pottery crock churn is a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Made in the Catawba Valley of North Carolina, this 5 gallon crock is crafted by B. Craig and features a unique design that is both functional and decorative. The stoneware material and pottery production technique make this piece a one-of-a-kind addition to any collection.

Perfect for display or practical use, this crock churn is a great conversation starter and a rare find. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history with this antique Burlon Craig pottery masterpiece. Burlon Craig was born April 24, 1914, a few miles from the small town of Henry, in the Catawba Valley of Lincoln County, North Carolina. He was one of 10 children raised on a family farm. In addition to working the farm, his father was a preacher for the Church of God.

At an early age, Craig was exposed to the numerous alkaline-glaze stoneware potteries in this region along the western Piedmont of North Carolina that were established in the nineteenth century by early settlers. Over the years, Craig's techniques changed little from those used by Daniel Seagle and David Hartzog, who introduced alkaline glazing in this region in the mid-nineteenth century. Craig shoveled his clay from the bottomland along the South Fork of the Catawba River, and then trucked it home to grind it in a pug mill. Next, he turned his jugs, jars, pitchers, and other forms on his foot-powered treadle wheel, pulling up the walls of the pots as he pumped the flywheel with his left foot. His alkaline glazes were made from local materials usually crushed glass bottles, wood ashes, iron cinders, water and clay and then finely ground in a hand-turned, water-powered stone mill. Finally, he "burned" his wares in a huge wood-fired groundhog kiln, a long and arduous task lasting eight to 10 hours. As the temperature rose far above 2000 degrees, the pots heated up to a white-orange hue. In 2008, theReinhardt-Craig House, Kiln and Pottery Shopentered the National Register of Historic Places. Under the statement of significance, the house, kiln, and pottery are associated with notable historical events, architecture that embodies a particular period, and a person, Burlon Craig, who was consequential as well. This designation is testament to Craigs work, unintentionally and intentionally, to revitalize a historic folk-art tradition in his community. Today, the Catawba Valley boasts a small group of potters who follow in Craigs footsteps.

He mentored some, such as Kim Ellingtonand Charles Lisk, and the second and third generation of the Craig potters continue his practice as well. Craigs son Don and grandson Dwayne both create more artistic pieces than their predecessor. Burlon Craig is considered a master of the trait with pieces being displayed in the Smithsonian Art Museum this is your chance to display this piece in your house!

No cracks, few small flake chips around the inside lip where the lid is placed. The double stamp and high raised neck indicates its an early unsigned burlon craig piece!