An Excellent Colonial Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Recovered in Philadelphia

While researching a piece of pottery a few weeks ago, I came across this old advertisement from Sidney Gecker, a prominent New York City antiques dealer. The ad illustrates a Colonial eighteenth century slip-decorated red earthenware dish reportedly attributed to Moravian production in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, circa 1745-1760. Although, I am not sure how the attribution was determined, but Bethlehem is located nearly seventy miles north of Philadelphia.

Interestingly, the dish was recovered from an excavation site on Front Street in Philadelphia; Front Street is located next to the Delaware River and was a major artery for the city during and after the Colonial period.

According to Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, "In the eighteenth century, Moravian settlers from Europe established a communal society in Bethlehem as part of an international religious network and social experiment. The Moravians eventually acquired close to 4,000 acres, and by 1747, thirty-five crafts, trades and industries were established, including a pottery. The most  prodigious period of  this settlement began with its founding in 1741 until the end of the General Economy in the 1760s. With the coming of the Revolutionary War and outside influences, a slow decline ensued."

Colonial Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Recovered in Philadelphia

Colonial 18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish

Recovered From a Site on Front Street in Philadelphia

Reportedly Attributed to Moravian Production in Bethlehem, PA

Circa 1745-1760

Measures 14 1/2" in Diameter

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