Dave Drake Vessels The Toast Of Brunk Auctions – Antiques And The Arts Weekly

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Two stoneware vessels made by enslaved potter Dave Drake (Edgefield, S.C., b circa 1800-d after 1873) were the toast of Brunk Auctions’ September 15-16 Premier Auction. Offered only moments apart, the first to achieve the sale’s top price of $135,300 was a signed and dated ovoid stoneware jug inscribed “Lm / May 29 – 1857 / Dave” on the front of its shoulder and bearing a speckled greenish brown alkaline glaze overall. It descended in the family of the consignor, which originally hailed from Woodville, Ga., about 90 miles west of Edgefield. The second vessel to reach the same $135,300 price was a signed and dated ovoid stoneware jar with an olive green and honey brown runny alkaline glaze, that bore the inscription “Lm, May 29 1857, Dave.” While the jar had been exhibited at The Bascom: Center for The Visual Arts, Highlands, N.C., in 2017, the jug was considered to be fresh to the market. Wares by Dave are rarely signed and dated, making both much sought-after. A private collector acquired the jug while an unidentified institution prevailed on the jar. Prices for both vessels include the buyer’s premium; additional highlights of Brunk’s sale will be featured in an upcoming issue.