A Comparison of Green Glazes Found on Objects Made in Ontario and Possibly New England

Through the years, I have wondered about some green glazed nineteenth century red earthenware objects attributed to New England with no real explanation of their attribution. A particular formed vase comes to mind that I have heard was made in both New Hampshire and Maine, but the later form does not really match up with known production, seeing that the areas it is attributed to had largely discontinued red earthenware production by the time this form was made. As a result, I have wondered for a few years now whether these objects could be from Canada, especially seeing the attribution is basically based on the color of the glaze. And while I have no proof either way, I thought this would be a good discussion subject seeing the strong similarities in glaze found in both areas. I should also note that some of the "New England" objects I am referencing retain no real context of ownership in New England other than their exchange through the American antique trade over the years.

Last weekend, I wrote about the John Wine Collection that sold at Miller & Miller Auctions in New Hamburg, Ontario. It was an excellent collection and a wonderful sale. But the collection also included a great green glazed nineteenth century red earthenware jug made by William Eby (1831-1910) in Conostogo, Ontario, which closely resembles some of the green glazes that I referenced. A similar jug from Eby (and other related objects) is included in the John and Heather Harbinson Collection at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

Eby was a Mennonite potter of Pennsylvania-German descent, and his business operated for one of the longest spans of any known Ontario potter. He is considered by collectors and museums today to be one of the most important known Ontario potters. Eby was a third generation potter; his grandfather was one of the thousands of Pennsylvanians who settled in Ontario during the 1785-1815 period, opening a pottery in the early-nineteenth century.

But, (for example) while I have no proof to say that the vase I have posted below was made in New England or Ontario, I wanted to show tonight how similar these glazes are, especially the objects from the Harbinson Collection. I also cannot prove that this vase was made in New England, and seeing that vases were made in Ontario, I thought this would be a good comparison. It is also amazing to see how the green glaze found on the jug that sold in the John Wine Collection is so similar to green glazed wares made in southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod in the eighteenth and early-nineteenth century, as well as green glazes created in Portland, Maine, Yarmouth, Maine and elsewhere in New England. This is likely a good example showing how it is very difficult to establish an accurate attribution based on just a glaze.

A Comparison of Green Glazes from the 1800s

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to William Eby Pottery in Conestogo, Ontario

Circa 1855-1907

Stands 3 1/4" Tall

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 Photo Courtesy: Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd.

19th Century Red Earthenware Objects

Attributed to William Eby Pottery in Conestogo, Ontario

Circa 1855-1907

See Article for More Information

 Photo Courtesy: Canadian Museum of History

19th Century Green Glazed Red Earthenware Vase

A Small Group of These Are Known and Said to Have Been Made in New England

This is a Great Glaze and Form, Nonetheless

Stands 8" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Skinner

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