An Unusual Red Earthenware Bust of a Man Discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania

This is a well-executed hand-modeled red earthenware bust of a man's head, which I recently acquired from an antiques picker located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The surface of this object is covered in a lead glaze; whereas, the hat has been decorated with a green copper glaze, the beard has been decorated with manganese and the eyes have been highlighted with white slip and dabs of manganese.

The person, whom I purchased this object from told me that they did not know much about it; although, they did say that they discovered it a few years ago at an estate sale in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

I have no idea, who is responsible for this object, but it does appear like it is American made and probably from the nineteenth century. I almost want to say that this figure depicts Santa Claus, but the beard does not appear correct; whereas, the hat is a known style that I have seen in some German images of Santa from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

Whimsical Red Earthenware Bust of a Man

 Probably 19th Century American-Made Whimsical Red Earthenware Bust of a Man

Recently Discovered in Bucks County, PA

Stands 3 1/4" Tall

Base Measures 2 1/2" Across

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 A Closer View of the Face

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 Another View of the Object

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 Another View of the Object

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 View of the Back

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View of the Base

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