Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered Within a Circa 1790-1820 Context in Baltimore, Maryland

This is another red earthenware object that was recently recovered in Baltimore, Maryland, which is also thought to have been locally made. Although, it also appears to demonstrate a Philadelphia influence in form and glaze.

Similar slip-decorated bowls were manufactured in Philadelphia during the circa 1770-1815 period, but comparable bowls were also made about 45 miles south of Baltimore near Washington, D.C. This type of bowl appears to have been a popular style of production that began in Philadelphia, and spread elsewhere as a result of trained potters and possibly even their influences.

Henry Piercy (1756-1809), a red earthenware potter who learned the potter's trade in Philadelphia, circa 1769-1776 is known to have made bowls in this manner decorated with slip on the interior in Alexandria, Virginia in the 1790s. Many of the bowls Piercy produced (as well as his other production) likely served the local market, especially Washington, D.C.

However, there certainly could have also been a Philadelphia influence in Baltimore with this type of production. There are even similar bowls attributed to Baltimore illustrated in an image that I posted yesterday in the article, 'Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, Circa 1763-1850.' 

Philadelphia's industry clearly carried a strong impact with potters all over the east coast; whereas, I have seen Philadelphia-type slip-decorated red earthenware sherds recovered as far north as New England and Albany, New York and as far south as North Carolina. As a matter of fact, there were a small group of potters who even advertised their wares in the 1700s in comparison and competition to what was made in Philadelphia - and, it should not be surprising to hear that some potters were also likely attempting to imitate Philadelphia's production, as well.

The remains of this particular bowl were recently recovered by Eddie Woodmancy from a huge brick-lined privy in Baltimore within a circa 1790-1820 context. This is also the period that appears to have been the most prolific with red earthenware production in Baltimore.

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Likely Made in Baltimore, MD

Recovered from a Circa 1790-1820 Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Bowls Were Illustrated in an Article Posted Yesterday

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Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

View of the Exterior Glaze and the Footed Base

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Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

View of the Base

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Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

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