19th C Cochiti Bird Pitcher

This is a marvelous large bulbous pottery pitcher with a spout in the shape of a round headed bird with a round open mouth. It has a "D" shaped handle behind the head. The only opening is the mouth. The upper body has that grayish tan color one sees on really old pieces of Cochiti pottery. The painting of the black designs that cover the upper body are varied and loose. The pitcher is in great condition with no breaks, cracks or restoration. The only flaw is a very old surface chip behind the left eye. I bought it out of an estate with no history of where, when or who collected it. It has on the bottom in old and small precise writing the number "55730", possibly a museum identification.  

D. 7 ½" H. 8"