19th Century Iron Slag Birdbath/Fountain

A rare 19th century garden ornament, most likely an end-of-day piece, created by iron workers using slag. Slag is the material remaining after iron ore has been manufactured in extremely high-temperature blast furnaces. Fashioned in 2 parts, this unusual piece consists of a wide basin sitting atop a flared base fitted with a center pipe that allows water to gently bubble into the upper section. Thereby enabling the relatively shallow bowl to serve as fountain or birdbath. Alternatively, when not brimming with water, the upper portion provides an attractive platform for plant displays and floral arrangements. Like most art in early America, the piece has its utilitarian aspect; yet here the distinct quirkiness of form, suggests that a spirit of camaraderie and playfulness among a crew of hardy iron industry laborers may have been equally responsible for its creation. We find the piece sufficiently unique, historically significant, and visually appealing to believe wherever it resides, water-filled or absent any, adorned with plants or flowers or left bare. The work will essentially speak for itself as a singular sculptural example of American folk art.
 
_____________________ 1. Blast furnaces existed in several Northwestern Connecticut towns: from 1730 in Limerock; in Lakeville during the Revolutionary War era; in Kent, Salisbury, East Canaan, and Canaan until the early 1920s