Choice Small Early Bowl
In Deep Blue Paint  

Probably New England, ca. 1780–1820.
Maple, retaining rich early blue paint over the first black. A classic early form, lathe-turned with pronounced beehive turnings, a molded rim, and an elevated foot. The underside retains chisel marks where the turning block was removed. Wear on the projecting high points reveals wood burnished smooth by generations of contact with tables and other surfaces.

The bowl stands out for its deep blue color and complex, authentic surface. Natural wear reveals the underlying black, lending considerable depth and variation to the blue while emphasizing the turned contours.

Shrinkage across the grain has softened the round shape into a slight oval, with appealing undulation, often called “potato chipping”, without cracking. A scarce and desirable small size: about 8 3/4 x 8 3/8 inches diameter, x 3 inches tall.

From a private Northeast collection.