10: C. 1900 WHAT CHEER CLAY PRODUCTS HUMIDOR WITH DOG

A sewer tile clay or stoneware covered vessel or humidor with a dog figural finial on the cover and a rustic, naturalistic tree trunk base with bark texture, branch stumps and leaves etched in the clay by hand. The figural dog has been detailed by hand as well. The back side of the base is stamped "WHAT CHEER CLAY PRODUCTS Co." The What Cheer Company was located in What Cheer, Iowa from 1911 into the 1920s. This particular piece was designed by John Nelson who began working in clay at age 13 and spent his entire life in the Midwestern utilitarian and artistic stoneware industry from Red Wing, Minnesota to What Cheer, Iowa and beyond until his death in 1962. Measures 7.5 x 7.5 x 8.5 inches.
Very good condition, noting a thin flake from the underside of the base. There are no other chips, cracks or repairs.
$150 - $250