STAMPED "S. BELL & SON / STRASBURG", SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED EARTHENWARE / REDWARE FLOWER URN, slip-washed, urn form with incised shoulder ring, a coggled-edge rim, and lion-mask handles, punched drain hole in base. Strong brushed copper double swag and floral drop decoration on both sides. Samuel Bell and his sons, Strasburg, VA. Circa 1882-1895. 13 1/2" H, 9" D rim.
Literature: Parallels Wiltshire - Folk Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley, p. 42; Manger - Pottery From the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 79; and Rice & Stoudt - Shenandoah Pottery, p. 163, fig. 279. Stamp as Comstock - Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 240, fig. 5.116.
Provenance: The collection of Ronnie and Neal Kite of Esmont, VA.

Very good as-found condition with no restoration, both lion masks intact, free of chips or cracks, several small spots of glaze exfoliation and one surface spall to side with stamp, otherwise only some expected wear and minute flakes to slip wash.