Rare Lidded Stoneware Cake Crock with Elaborate Applied, Impressed, and incised Decoration, Signed and Dated "M. James / Aug. 3 / 1890", Ohio origin, approximately two-gallon, cylindrical form with applied lug handles, the surface profusely-decorated with applied bands of molded, geometric designs along the shoulder, rim, base, and handles, the midsection with impressed triangular motifs, the shoulder with coggled scoring. Original lid with applied geometric decoration to edge, raised banding, cross-hatched incising, and coggling, the knob with profuse cross-hatched incising and slightly-raised finial. Surface covered in a salt glaze with gold-painted highlights throughout exterior, as well as covering the interior. Underside incised in large script, "M. James / Aug. 3 / 1890". Crock with top-to-bottom crack from rim, extending 3" onto underside, minor chipping to rim, and a few chips to base. Lid with chips to bottom edge and flange on underside of lid, visible when it is turned over. H (excluding lid) 7 3/8" ; Diameter (across top) 11" ; Diameter (of lid) 12".