A Great Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl from the Mid-Atlantic Region

Last month, I wrote about some slip-decorated red earthenware artifacts recovered from an early-nineteenth century archaeological context in Cearfoss, Maryland, which are believed to have been manufactured in nearby Hagerstown, Maryland. I also wrote in another post that there is a spectacular example of Hagerstown pottery currently on display at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

However, while on vacation last month with my nephew Jason, we visited Robesonia, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Greg Kramer, who has a remarkable collection and inventory of American pottery. In fact, at any given time, there are very few places outside of an American museum or private collection where you can see such a wide variety of Pennsylvania-made wares. 

For instance, this fabulous example of slip-decorated red earthenware is among the better pieces of pottery that Greg currently owns; it was reportedly made in Mayland or Pennsylvania. But I have not been able to find any record of the potter who is said to have made the bowl.

Until recently, this bowl, which may have been manufactured as a presentation piece, had descended through the potter's family to the current owner before it was acquired by Greg. Inscribed on the back is the name "Christian Gingrich" with German script and the date "1832." 

Although, I have not been able to identify who Christian Gingrich is seeing that his name was a common name in the region in the 1800s. But aesthetically, this is a beautiful bowl that does share characteristics in slip found with some pottery manufactured in Hagerstown, as well as other areas where German potters were employed.

Mid-Atlantic Region Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Attributed to the Mid-Atlantic Region
Possibly Manufactured as a Presentation Piece

Attributed to Either Maryland or Pennsylvania

Inscribed on the Back "Christian Gingrich" with German Script and the Date "1832"

Stands 6" Tall and Measures 16 1/2" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Greg Kramer

View of the Inscription on the Back

Inscribed "Christian Gingrich" with German Script and the Date "1832"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Greg Kramer

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