Sometimes, contemporary artists break with traditions, and sometimes they follow them. But some of the most interesting works of art come about when they put their own spin on well-established forms and techniques.

The man-in-the-moon jug pictured here is the work of contemporary South Carolina potter Michel Bayne. It fits in with the longstanding Southern tradition of face vessels. While artists around the world have decorated jugs, vases and other ceramic containers with human, animal or mythological faces since prehistory, the face vessels made in the southern United States, particularly South Carolina and Georgia, are believed to have originated in African traditions practiced by enslaved potters. The distinctive style had strong appeal, and, by the twentieth century, Southern face vessels were mass-produced for tourists.

Local artists continued making them as folk art, and still do today. Bayne follows the tradition of making his pottery by hand out of local clay, and the man-in-the-moon jug shows the grotesque features and exposed teeth characteristic of Southern face jugs. However, the man on the moon isn’t a common subject, and this jug’s round, flat shape suggests a completely different ceramic style from farther away: Chinese moon flasks, or moon vases. They are usually made of porcelain decorated with flowers, symbols or figural scenes. The round, flat shape makes them practical for carrying water. The apparent combination of the moon flask shape with Southern folk pottery caught a buyer’s attention; the man-in-the-moon jug sold for $1,143 at Slotin Folk Art Auction against an estimate of $200-300.

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Q: I found a box of cigarettes taped to the underside of the bottom dresser drawer that belonged to my mother-in-law. The dresser is approximately 100 years old. The box is not very big; it is 4 1/2 inches from side to side and 1 inch deep. There is a colorful print of a view of the city and the word “MOCKBA” on the front and Russian writing on the back. The number “3935-58” is on the back lower left corner. The box is in mint condition. I did some research on the Internet but was not very successful. Can you tell me anything about it?

A: The number you mentioned is a regulatory code and the last two digits tell you the year the regulation standard was set. So your box of cigarettes is from 1958, during the time of the Soviet Union. It is not quite as old as the dresser, but still a good reminder to always check the drawers and cabinets in antique furniture! “MOCKBA” is “Moskva,” Russian for Moscow; which is the city depicted in the print. Colorful prints are characteristic of Russian cigarette boxes from the 1950s; packaging became more decorative after the end of World War II.

Full vintage packs of cigarettes usually have a value of about $20 to $30. For more information, you may want to contact a club for collectors of smoking paraphernalia. World War II memorabilia collectors or reenactors may also have more information about Soviet artifacts.

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TIP: When packing a piece of pottery for shipping, look at the shape. If it has a hollow space larger than one inch across, fill the space with sponge, foam or bubble wrap.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Kutani, tea set, teapot, sugar and creamer, dome lid, petal finial, round, figural panels, gilt trim and handles, red and gold character mark, Japan, teapot 8 inches, three pieces, $45.

Radio, Grundig, Majestic, 1070, broadcast, shortwave, FM, Hi-Fi, volume and tuning dials, bass and treble controls, 1958, 13 x 20 inches, $70.

Toy, lion, curly brown mane, glass eyes, stitched nose and paws, tag in ear, Steiff, 32 inches, $100.

Rug, Caucasian, Kazak, center diamond medallion, blue border, dark red field, ivory main border, 49 x 30 inches, $160.

Meissen, cup, painted panel, scenic, two children reading book, multicolor, lyres on reverse, gilt, flared lip, double snake handle, three paw feet, crossed swords mark, 1800s, 4 inches, $165.

Furniture, chair, lounge, Kontur, Alf Svennson, wood frame, upholstered seat and back, stretchers, open arms, Fritz Hansen, midcentury, 41 x 29 inches, $185.

Sabino, vase, amber glass, oval, molded, allover mimosa leaves and flowers, short neck, flared lip, signed, 1930s, 4 inches, $350.

Picture, watercolor, strawberries, on vine, leaves, beetle, script label, frame, 1800s, 11 x 9 inches, $560.