Monroe Pottery Yellowware Lion Doorstop

Circa 1870-1890: Measuring 15"L x 8.5"H x 9.5" deep, this substantial yellowware doorstop is attributed to Mogadore, Ohio's Monroe Pottery, run by James S. Monroe and his sons Edgar and Gustavus. The business was located on Randolph Street close to the town's main intersection on the Portage side of the county line that runs through the town. The exact date of manufacture is unknown, but scholars suspect these figural doorstops were made in the decades following the Civil War during Ohio's great age of yellowware production. The lions can be found in a number of different glaze colorations, and this example is particularly attractive with its yellow paws and haunches that are contrasted beautifully with a brown Bennington type glaze brushed onto its head and base, giving the lion a strikingly natural look. Conditon is nearly as made with a minor kiln related bowing to the base, one tiny, barely noticeable glaze chip, and no other apologies.