Lanier Meaders southern folk art face jug Georgia, mid 20th century exaggerated facial form with rock teeth and loop handle, signed on underside 'Lanier Meaders'. (Slight chipping to one tooth, small firing crack under one tooth on bottom lip, otherwise good condition) H8 1/4" *Provenance: Lanier Meaders (1917-1998) worked in his family's pottery business which was founded by his grandfather John M. Meaders in 1892 in Mossy Creek, Georgia. There is no doubt that Lanier Meaders was the most famous folk art potter in the United States. Meaders can be credited with single-handedly keeping southern folk pottery from all but dying with his distinct style and sculptural creativity. These qualities are best evidenced in Meader's one-of-a-kind face jugs. His works have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute, he was honored by the Library of Congress with a Meader's Pottery Day in 1978, awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts and in 1987 he received the Governor's Award for Arts in Georgia. He has numerous other recognitions and awards to his credit.