Exceptional 18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar in the Collection of Winterthur in Delaware

Yesterday, I posted an article that examined an eighteenth century sgraffito red earthenware teapot, likely manufactured in southeastern Pennsylvania. I wrote in that article, "There are domestic red earthenware teapots from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many of which are decorated with a black glaze, and then there is this tremendous teapot owned by Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

On multiple occasions, I have visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - but I have never seen an American eighteenth century sgraffito decorated red earthenware teapot before. This is truly a special piece of pottery.

A few weeks ago, I toured the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur, and this is one of the objects from the tour that really spoke to me because of the rare combination of form and decoration.

This teapot is attributed to Pennsylvania, possibly the southeastern part of the state, but I don't believe the potter or potter's business has been identified. A German inscription is inscribed around the pot, just below the rim, reading, "Gott Segne euch in essen und Schrincken," which translates to something like, "God bless you in eating."

The fact that the year "1799" is inscribed beneath the handle, makes this object even more special today."

Nevertheless, this jar is another remarkable example of the state's sgraffito red earthenware production in the collection of Winterthur, likely from the same manufacturer as is the teapot. Both objects exhibit matching sgraffito flower decorations, which most likely link these pieces to the same potter or potter's business.

Eighteenth Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar

18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar

Likely Manufactured in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Also Likely the Same Manufacturer as the Teapot Posted Below

Circa 1780-1800

Stands 9 3/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

Another View of the Jar

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Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

 Eighteenth Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot

18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot, Attributed to Pennsylvania

The Year "1799" is Inscribed Beneath the Handle

Stands 5 5/8" Tall

Measures 8 5/8" Long

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

Another View of the Teapot

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...