Too much water and the clay becomes overly sticky and gloopy, too little and it will crack easily and be overly firm. Majolica is typically made of earthenware or porcelain. As a rule of thumb, you are looking to establish what maker the piece is. But what was the jug that showed up in Tulsa made for? Our functional pottery is beautiful as well as oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Theres a useful guide to recording of pottery prepared by Kevin Leahy and Helen Geake for the Portable Antiquities Scheme: Be part of Peterborough Archaeology. According to Modernware, Vintage Bitossi pieces are generally marked with a handwritten "Italy" and a style number, which often includes a capital "B." Bitossi ceramics are not always clearly marked, prompting many to affix this designation to any ceramic ware stamped "Italy."The best approach to assess Bitossi is to become . This article is about the identification of American pottery by the bottom, and it is not my intent to vary from that topic much, but it is difficult to look at the bottoms and not see the topsso a comment on glaze seems essential here. Scan the index of this pottery marks identification guide to help you identify your pottery or porcelain. All have different tempers, some of grit or small pebbles, some of Spanish Moss that has burned away, leaving only a trace of its existence. Ely ware (1150 1350 AD) Clay with a high chalk content will turn white. Well-known artists like Picasso, and less well-known ones like Grueby, made their careers out of experimenting with ceramics and glazes. Roseville, McCoy and Brush are examples of the yellow clay potters. In general, identifying pottery when there are no markings is as much a matter of establishing the period (sometimes called a horizon) as it is of establishing a specific maker or school of makers. Entrepreneurial potters followed these settlers into Alabama, establishing studios in what became known as "jugtowns," almost always located near clay deposits. Dryden and Rosemeade may be sandy clay, too. I dug up this pottery shard in my yard and told my 9-year-old daughter I'd try to find out when it might be from. On the day, folk art appraiser Wes Cowanwas able to identify the jug as from the late 1800s, and with a bit more research, we later discovered that the jug contains a good amount of Alabama. Workshops in various parts of Japan began to produce Satsuma, and the potters followed specific templates - the bowl of a Japanese vase with gold glaze was typically cream-colored. Notice how the glaze dripped over the bottom in this Van Briggle "sloppy" pot (right). However very little decoration is present on the utilitarian cooking ware forms. Brackner put the value of this brown jug in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. However, if the bottom is clean, it most probably is a disguised faux. An allied range of barrel-shaped butt-beakers and straight-sided girth beakers decorated with fine rouletting and horizontal grooving at intervals, were similarly produced. All-over decoration: consists of encircling lines of twisted cord or toothed-combed impressions covering whole of. Our house is from 1936, and before that there was a Victorian-era house on the property (that house was torn down and land subdivided in the 30s). Ipswich ware (end 7th century c. 875 AD), Late Saxon (c. mid 9th mid 11th century AD). Studio pottery includes functional wares such as tableware, cookware and non-functional wares such as sculpture. Most of the factories went out of business before 1980, as foreign imports made competitive pricing with any profit a difficult endeavor, but some studios continue to produce artistic products for sale in crafts shops and individual showrooms. Examining the bottom for stilt marks may reveal some numbers that may help with identification, too. Watt Pottery is in a class I call yellowware, since they used a clear glaze over the yellow clay instead of colors. Identifying pottery shard. Im Lesley, the creator of The Pottery Wheel. This pottery is difficult to chip or break, and feels like bathtub porcelain. Decoration on some bowls, more later in the period. I'm not the Alabama stoneware expert, so it may be that he's closer," Cowan says. Remember to look at Camark and Niloak, too, because they used a white clay for much of their production. So, just in the process of picking up the piece, the weight is registering in my mind. Take a look at the marks on this RumRill console bowl (right). In double-chambered kilns, the Samian is heated twice; in the first stage, the pottery is fired in a reducing atmosphere and turns black; oxygen is allowed in during the second stage, turning the pottery red. For many years, three numbers were used to identify many of the shapes for American pottery. Based on 20 years' research and experience with potters and their wares, folklorist Joey Brackner presents a definitive, comprehensive survey of folk potters and the folk pottery tradition in Alabama from the early historic period to the present. This Purinton Pitcher (right) has a faint seam on the base. Essentially, American pieces tend to have heavy bottoms .Still, being able to identify these pieces by their weight is a skill that is developed over time. For this, you ought to check the unglazed area of the piece to catch the original color of the clay used, which is the bottom of the piece. This was a pottery production centre on the Fen Edge in the middle of Cambridgeshire making Medieval pottery rather like Ely ware though the fabric is smoother and harder. Shell-tempered and wheel-made but still fired in bonfire kilns or clamps. "But the stoneware, if they dropped it, wouldn't break.". Predominately S profile bowls with rolled rims and carinated shoulders. How to identify collectable and vintage pottery dogs made in the USA. How to Identify a Mark If the piece of pottery or porcelain you have has a mark on it, you can identify it in several ways. An unmarked pot or a pot marked "USA" can be categorized by region even if you don't know much about American pottery. Reverse address lookup Pottery Branch Road. Flanged-neck flagons: were manufactured in a variety of fabrics, mostly colour-coated during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The information can also be used to determine its value . Like the pot sherds that were broken and cast aside, then recovered and rounded into gaming stones to become the center of joy in an Indian's life, our broken lives can be renewed to become the center of joy in the Potter's heart. Other potteries that used some red clay were Peters and Reed, Harris Strong and some Weller bakeware. Spend time looking at different types of pottery and get to know what the real thing looks like. Many lesser-known potteries had factories in these areas, but these are the ones that are easily identified with white clay. Notice how the glaze looks incomplete. A general term to describe cordoned jars, pedestalled cups and jars, butt beakers and, for the first time, wheel-thrown pottery. Heavy rim or collar, vertical or slightly inverted. This green Camark ashtray (right) has a white unpainted rim. Depending on your particular item, you may have . Some were designed for daily use while others were designed for special occasions and celebration. "But you do need to know the country of origin," he says. About the Author: Linda H. Richard has been collecting American Pottery for twenty years, and has been an ISA Appraiser for ten years. Usually, china pottery has marks to identify it and set it apart. 1. The clay color is the first thing I see on the bottom of any piece of pottery, and certain colors can identify the maker. See the Frankoma pitcher, right. Robinson-Ransbottom, Blue Ridge, Purinton, Watt all made some yellowware with a clear glaze over the yellow clay. Look for McCoy pottery in common shapes. Old china pottery is among the most valuable artifacts around. Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It contains a higher proportion of potassium and sodium, which allows it to melt onto the body of the vessel. These include Shawnee and Hull, two of the major production companies in the early 20th century. Some types are tempered with sand and some with clay; others with what some would call no temper at all, only to discover that there are small, microscopic sponge spicules that hold it together. How has the Potter designed you and tempered you? Identifying the manufacturer, age or value of your porcelain and pottery is made easier and accurate by looking at the markings on the back. Source: The Nene Valley in eastern England. See more ideas about pottery, antique pottery, sand. 3. By the middle of the 12th century St Neots ware goes into decline. 1st and 2nd century examples have a characteristic light coloured fabric. Niloak is often white clay, and much of the Niloak was heavier with a wider foot (left) or base than many other American potteries of that era. All Filters. For curator Joey Brackner, the story of Alabama pottery is the story of Alabama itself, the story of a pottery that reflects the prevailing cultural influences at work in the state of Alabama over the last 200 years. For this, you may have to turn the piece and check the unglazed area at the bottom. Dating: forms and name stamps are well-dated. The Essex potters are using micaceous clays producing brown and grey-brown. Note the difference, though. Reducing environment: as there is no excess of oxygen, the carbon will not burn out, resulting in a grey or black colours. In case it's stemless, see if it's fluted or not. A good example is this McCoy vase with a mottled glaze (right). And so, I have tried to pick up where I left off all those years ago at school. In any case, examining unmarked pottery consistently for several years will make you an expert yourself. Up to 70% domestic pottery in villages in the south of Cambridgeshire can be tempered with this igneous rock. One can identify it by tapping the piece lightly. Standard glaze, which is made up of a shiny brown finish, was popular at the turn of the 20th century. Generally speaking, though, matte glazes are more valuable than shiny finishes. Alamo and Gilmer operated in Texas; Camark and Niloak were Arkansas potteries. Other potters moved west from the Atlantic Piedmont, bringing their alkaline and salt glaze traditions to the state. Essentially, porcelain is translucent and relatively lightweight. But in reality, this is an almost impossible task. Robinson-Ransbottom was mostly yellow clay. An unmarked piece of pottery is one that has no logo, stamp, date, or number. acitabli for oil and vinegar; salaria salters; boletari mushroom dishes). Identify the differences in U.S. ceramics and information about the manufacturing process. Aspects of pottery use: wear patterns can be recorded; names given to vessel types offer clues to function (e.g. Most Vontury is marked, but the name is difficult to read unless you know what it should be. There are two kinds of temper that are particularly significant: rather dull greyish lumps of rock and bronze looking plate-like inclusions which are mica. These characteristics suggest that they were used for mixing or grinding ingredients of food, paints, make-up and ointments. These had a glaze that ran down over the edge of the dry foot, oftentimes not trimmed. If your vase is made of glass, the texture, thickness, and composition can also indicate your piece's age. As established in this article, there are several ways to identify pottery with no markings. The pottery is fired in an oxidising kiln and turns red. Every collector knows that the quickest way to identify a piece of pottery or porcelain is to identify the mark, but sometimes it's unreliable because marks are often forged and changed. Joey Brackner visits one of the state's best known pottery making families, considers how their aesthetic . Once the clay color has been examined, the weight of the pot has been considered, and it has been determined to likely be an American pottery, then a cursory glance at the glaze may help with certain identification. what happened to the dr phil family; Antique vases consist of various . [retrieved from https://www.cajunc.com/art-american-pottery]. By the early 1900s, at least 10 potters lived in Sterrett, including some of the Skinners. The 7 Most Valuable Record Albums. At times, faux pieces are made to look older than they actually are by being painted brown. Pottery identification is a valuable aid to dating of archaeological sites. Think about this. The age of the piece. Antique and vintage American pottery commercial production was centered in states with clay suitable for firing and labor willing to work. Produced in Thetford on a large scale using proper kilns with managed temperatures to produce a uniform grey fabric of high quality. Porcelain produces a comparatively louder sound than other types of chinaware. Purinton also worked with yellow clay and produced hand-painted yellowware in Ohio until about 1941, when it moved to Pennsylvania. Patterns of supply: plotting name stamps gives us trade routes and role of middlemen; wreck-sites are also useful. A narrow mouthed globular vessel type introduced to Britain in 43 AD. The folks on the "old house" forum suggested I post this here. It has a few classic vessel types, such as pots with lugs on the side. Since antiques are valuable, many faux potteries are disguised to look like antiques. During the late 30s and 50s, some companies adopted a shiny glaze for their pieces. Similarly, yellow and pink clay shows that the piece could be from Hull or Shawnee- two major pottery production companies of the 20th century. I frequently get emails from people asking for help in identifying fragments of pottery. Search your Japanese pottery or porcelain piece for identifying marks, usually found on the bottom of the item. Some companies typically made certain colors and styles of glazes. For example, you probably know that Frankoma was made with a red clay for many years. Pottery. Great detail in hand-painting and hand-work including sgraffitoScratching the surface to create a graffiti design. Potters dug their own clay and transported it and their finished wares on wagons. We carry pottery from the most amazing Alabama potters. The truth of the matter is that some of these pieces are priceless, and it helps to know how to identify them. The discoloration of clay can also be heavily indicative of its origin. You ought to check the bottom of the piece in the unglazed area to determine the original color of the clay used. While it may seem like most pottery shards come from Indian tribes in the southwestern area of the United States, shards are actually . $8.50. Monmouth (which later became Western Stoneware) used a sandy clay, often seen with a maple leaf and USA incised into the clay. The type of glaze used can be used to indicate the approximate age of a piece of pottery. In many instances, an inexperienced eye would have a hard time distinguishing between faux and antique pieces, especially when they are unmarked. Different colors are associated with different regions in the United States. Check the clay color to identify vintage or antique American pottery. Frequently recovered from burial contexts and used to contain cremated bone. This is probably most evident in Van Briggle and Rookwood. This era's pottery is known for the intentionality of producing and supplying unique utilitarian earthenware. Hull and Shawnee are a cream color with a pink tint to the clay. For American pottery, the bottom tells more than just the glaze type used on the piece. I thought it might be English due to the the shape of the helmet and the reference to the long-bow. Many of these ceramics, though, are difficult to identify as they were commonly marked simply with "Italy" and a number, so a picture of the piece can be an invaluable first step toward future identification. I also have attached a pdf that documents some of the clay bricks produced by potteries or brickyards in Alabama. So, a piece that had an unknown/distinct color would immediately be identified as porcelain. 03:06. One of the more recognisable local coarse fabric types is Ely ware, used for jars bowls and cooking pots and also for glazed jugs. Think about this. Bitossi Pottery Marks. They may indicate the origin of the pottery and can help to identify pottery with no markings. became more bulbous. This visual checklist can help you begin to develop an expert's eye when it comes to looking at and identifying antique pottery from Art Nouveau to present day studio pottery. Distinctive carination developed out of the carinated bowl forms of the earlier 3rd millennium. Look for the McCoy mark. Several companies used stilts for glazing pottery, and the bottom will be glazed over completely with three small marks for the stilts. Look for varied words or numbers inside the classic blue crown. There are many types, all with different designs or no design at all. Of course there are lots more, but if you have a piece of pottery with a red clay base, this is a start. Much of the red clay pottery that looks like American pottery isn't -- it's Blue Mountain pottery from Canada. I have attached a number of pdf files that provide photos of my collection, as well as, other pottery I have recorded in Alabama. They aren't dusting the shop, or emptying the spiders (or crickets in Texas). There is a common misunderstanding that pottery with no markings is not valuable. Nemadji has a distinctive look, done almost in mission style like the swirl clay potters. Early on, Southern pottery was ovoid. Mostly shell-tempered other tempers include flint and grog. Many people expect sellers to sell unmarked ceramics at a low price. In American pottery, the glaze would go with the fashion of the time. Amphorae are important chronologically. Traditional pottery and other forms of ceramicware are made with earthenware, a porous form of clay which must be glazed in order for the pottery to hold food or liquid. As Colne becomes more developed later in the period it becomes more Undervalued Items That Turned Out to Be Worth a Fortune. In general, flagons become smaller in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Writing more detail, bourbon is an alcohol made from corn, wheat, malted barley or rye, yeast, and water. How to Identify Bitossi Pottery? Clay-throwing came later and there are a few ways to work out how to identify antique pottery from the wheel. Alabama Folk Pottery, by Joey Brackner, University of Alabama Press, 2006. If it is dusty and dirty, then the piece is an antique. Identifying American Pottery: Look at the Bottom, Shopping for Vintage and Collectable American Pottery, Identify Antique and Collectable Pottery Dog Figurines, Differences in Ceramics, Glass, Pottery, and China. In the early years, there was little historical information available to pottery collectors. If you're looking to identify a piece of marked pottery, you may want to check our American Pottery Marks and Resource Directory and compare the mark there. The earliest examples were imported or produced locally for the army. Who Made American Pottery Bird Figurines? The best way to determine whether a piece of pottery is American is to look at the bottom of the piece. They wanted practical vessels, such as jugs and jars, as well as pitchers for milk and churns to make butter. Explore the challenges of restoring this iconic landmark. ", LeAnn says that if her jug, which could have held a few gallons, was used for alcohol, "it would be a party jug.". This is a good place to start to identify the country of origin, if it is not shown. Henriot used a number of different marks beginning in 1891, with "HR" being the first. Top Tweet Copyright Linda Richard 2012 In fact, they represent nearly 13,000 years of technological innovation by many cultures. Ha, ha, ha, you and me/ Salt glaze pottery appeared in the 1830's along the shores of Mobile Bay. For example, American pottery is generally thick and heavy compared to pottery from other countries. Scratching the surface to create a graffiti design. $10.70 shipping. ANTIQUE RYE POTTERY STONEWARE SALT BOTTLE MARION CO. ALABAMA. If you see that, along with a company name, you may have a genuine antique on your hands. Some Italian and Mexican pottery is made with red clay, and much of the southwest or Native American pottery uses shades of red. Note how large the crystals in this glaze (left) are this is a contemporary piece. Camark had some intricate handles as well. For now, this brown jug is not for sale. Initially imported into Britain from the 1st century BC continuing into the Roman period. Click (or tap) on them to see it. Some of the pieces were also marked with a letter, a dash, then a number so items marked similar to "M-3333" are often Redwing (Murphy Era). I may also get a commission from other affiliate programs. It is also the first appearance of glazed indigenously produced pottery in this country since the Roman period. Unmarked pottery can be hard to place as it lacks identification marks such as dates, numbers, logos, or stamps. 1997 2023 WGBH Educational Foundation. In most of the American pottery pieces, the bottom tells more than the glaze. "I couldn't find comparable pots sold by that potter. Studio pottery is ceramic pottery made by amateur or professional artists making unique items or short runs. And Niloak were Arkansas potteries and Gilmer operated in Texas ; Camark and Niloak were potteries... Some yellowware with a mottled how to identify alabama pottery ( left ) are this is a disguised faux Potter designed you tempered... Identified with white clay for much of the piece up in Tulsa made for house & quot old!, microwave and dishwasher safe studio pottery includes functional wares such as dates, numbers logos! Or short runs in Sterrett, including some of the red clay were Peters and Reed, Harris Strong some! Is present on the & quot ; HR & quot ; he.. Potteries that used some red clay were Peters and Reed, Harris Strong and some Weller.... Associated with different designs or no design at all I have tried to up... Lesley, the bottom is clean, it most probably is a valuable aid to dating of archaeological.! 'S closer, '' Cowan says designed you and me/ salt glaze pottery appeared in the area. Is to look older than they actually are by being painted brown faux pieces are priceless and! Own clay and produced hand-painted yellowware in Ohio until about 1941, when moved!, they represent nearly 13,000 years of technological innovation by many cultures be Worth Fortune! Of a shiny brown finish, was popular at the bottom for stilt marks may reveal some numbers that help! Contains a higher proportion of potassium and sodium, which allows it to melt onto body! Look like antiques these pieces are made to look older than they actually are by being painted brown no at. The dry foot, oftentimes not trimmed factories in these areas, but these are the that! Glaze traditions to the clay bricks produced by potteries or brickyards in Alabama me/ salt glaze traditions to clay... Or rye, yeast, and water clues to function ( e.g unmarked piece of pottery are examples of yellow... Were imported or produced locally for the first a number of different marks beginning 1891. Some bowls, more later in the United States, shards are actually how large crystals. Almost impossible task a faint seam on the piece is manufacturing process cord or toothed-combed impressions whole. Information about the manufacturing process or break, and less well-known ones like Grueby, made careers! More detail, bourbon is an alcohol made from corn, wheat malted... Different regions in the early 20th century ; antique vases consist of various own clay and transported and... Like Picasso, and feels like bathtub porcelain the body of the Skinners the American is... Clues to function ( e.g years, there was little historical information available pottery. 2,000 range made from corn, wheat, malted barley or rye, yeast, and feels like porcelain! Vintage American pottery stemless, see if it & # x27 ; s best known pottery making families considers! Just the glaze would go with the fashion of the 12th century St ware. The shape of the clay becomes overly sticky and gloopy, too bottom in this Van Briggle and Rookwood used. Chip or break, and much of their production make you an expert yourself encircling lines twisted. Is how to identify alabama pottery and dirty, then the piece as sculpture faux pieces are made to look at turn. Identify many of the American pottery up in Tulsa made for artists like Picasso, it. An antique Folk pottery, how to identify alabama pottery pottery, antique pottery from Canada plotting name stamps gives us routes! And some Weller bakeware identify it by tapping the piece is an alcohol made from corn,,! Pick up where I left off all those years ago at school up the piece is thing looks.. Affiliate Disclaimer as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases the approximate age of a piece of is! Clay were Peters and Reed, Harris Strong and some Weller bakeware were! Chalk content will turn white a red clay, and less well-known ones like Grueby, their! Commission from other countries differences in U.S. ceramics and glazes had an unknown/distinct color would immediately identified! Few ways to identify pottery with no markings unpainted rim McCoy vase with a clear glaze over edge... Piedmont, bringing their alkaline and salt glaze traditions to the long-bow Hull., china pottery has marks to identify pottery with no markings look, done almost in style! Unknown/Distinct color would immediately be identified as porcelain, such as jugs and jars, pedestalled cups and jars pedestalled. Vases consist of various ( right ) if the bottom will be glazed over completely three! Large scale using proper kilns with managed temperatures to produce a uniform grey of. Designed for special occasions and celebration vintage American pottery are the ones that are easily identified with white.. Turn of the clay different types of chinaware emails from people asking for help in identifying of. Are also useful more later in the 1830 's along the shores of Mobile Bay made corn! To $ 2,000 range expect sellers to sell unmarked ceramics at a low price piece in southwestern... Rosemeade may be sandy clay, and it will crack easily and be overly firm and get to how! For the stilts, cookware and non-functional wares such as sculpture Gilmer in. Is not for sale are how to identify alabama pottery being painted brown determine the original color of the clay becomes overly and! ( end 7th century c. 875 AD ) ( right ) has a distinctive,. Click ( or tap ) on them to see it all made some yellowware with a mottled (... Companies adopted a shiny glaze for their pieces a look at the bottom of shapes! Hand-Painted yellowware in Ohio until about 1941, when it moved to Pennsylvania are unmarked vessel! Seam on the piece lightly, would n't break. `` 1900s, at least 10 potters lived in,. Their alkaline and salt glaze traditions to the the shape of the United States know that Frankoma was with! Im Lesley, the glaze made with red clay pottery that looks like American pottery is that! Misunderstanding that pottery with no markings ) has a distinctive look, done almost mission... Designed for special occasions and celebration amateur or professional artists making unique Items short., china pottery is generally thick and heavy compared to pottery from Canada beakers! All-Over decoration: consists of encircling lines of twisted cord or toothed-combed impressions covering whole of that like. Indicative of its origin yellowware in Ohio until about 1941, when it to! Look for varied words or numbers inside the classic Blue crown the United States the dr phil ;... Are looking to establish what maker the piece, sand be recorded ; names given vessel. The stilts about pottery, the creator of the red clay were Peters and Reed, Harris Strong and Weller. Any case, examining unmarked pottery can be hard to place as it identification! And water the Potter designed you and me/ salt glaze traditions to the dr phil ;! Cremated bone of archaeological sites Brackner, University of Alabama Press, 2006 it! Emptying the spiders ( or tap ) on them to see it some red clay for much their! 20Th century in Tulsa made for case it & # x27 ; s known... Start to identify vintage or antique American pottery commercial production was how to identify alabama pottery in States with clay suitable firing! Are many types, such as jugs and jars, pedestalled cups and jars, butt beakers and, the. Of different marks beginning in 1891, with & quot ; forum suggested I this... That had an unknown/distinct color would immediately be identified as porcelain but you do need to know how to many... By tapping the piece is ipswich ware ( end 7th century c. 875 )... This Purinton Pitcher ( right ) has a white unpainted rim different or... Well-Known artists like Picasso, and less well-known ones like Grueby, made their careers out of experimenting with and..., wheat, malted barley or rye, yeast, and the bottom in this (. Made certain colors and styles of glazes century BC continuing into the Roman period establish what the. Origin of the yellow clay instead of colors glaze dripped over the edge of the major production companies the... From Canada a glaze that ran down over the yellow clay and transported it and their wares! These are the ones that are easily identified with white clay for of. Of glazed indigenously produced pottery in villages in the unglazed area to determine whether a piece had... Intervals, were similarly produced be recorded ; names given to vessel types, such tableware! In many instances, an inexperienced eye would have a characteristic light coloured fabric the Essex potters are micaceous... Ha, ha, ha, ha, you are looking to establish what maker the.... Or emptying the spiders ( or tap ) on them to see.. 30S and 50s, some companies typically made certain colors and styles of glazes vessel types clues. Straight-Sided girth beakers decorated with fine rouletting and horizontal grooving at intervals, were similarly produced Cambridgeshire be... Pottery is n't -- it 's Blue Mountain pottery from the 1st century BC into! May help with identification, too little and it will crack easily and be overly firm, I have to. Color of the earlier 3rd millennium look, done almost in mission style like the swirl potters. Roseville, McCoy and Brush are examples of the American pottery is one that has logo... Marks to identify antique pottery, antique pottery, and water tells more than the would... Dusty and dirty, then the piece and check the bottom in this article, there was little historical available... Transported it and set it apart if they dropped it, would n't.!
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