Elongated Bottles
Elevate your collection with these antique stoneware salt glaze bottles, each bearing the enigmatic 'AK' stamp. Originating from the late 19th to early 20th century, these pieces are emblematic of the practical yet beautiful design ethos of the time.
 
Crafted with a robust, earthy brown glaze, their cylindrical bodies and slender necks were likely once home to everyday staples, such as preserves, medicines, or spirits. The salt glaze finish, a technique achieved by introducing salt into the kiln during the high-temperature firing, imparts a distinctive orange peel texture that is both visually appealing and functional, creating a durable, impermeable surface.
 
The 'AK' stamp carved onto each bottle is a hallmark of their provenance, possibly denoting the artisan's initials or the mark of the establishment where they were used. Such markings are a window into the provenance of the piece and were an essential aspect of stoneware production for identification and quality control.
 
Beige Stoneware:
This elegantly simple salt glazed stoneware bottle is a quintessential example of functional artistry from the late 19th to early 20th century. With its gentle beige tone and classic silhouette, it stands as a relic of an era that fused utility with a minimalist aesthetic.
 
The bottle's surface, coated with a salt glaze, exhibits a fine network of craquelure, indicative of its age and the natural wear of materials over time. The glaze, achieved by introducing salt into the kiln during the firing process, lends the bottle a subtle sheen and a slightly pitted texture, characteristics revered by collectors for their beauty and tactile appeal.
 
Prominently, an embossed 'A' graces the bottle's side — perhaps the maker's mark or a symbol of its original contents or destination. Such markings are rare and provide a unique point of interest for historians and enthusiasts alike.