A Red Earthenware Jar on Display at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut

Described as having been manufactured at the Bean Hill Pottery in Norwich, Connecticut, circa 1770-1800, this red earthenware jar is currently displayed in the exhibit, American Perspectives at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut. It is displayed alongside a pitcher attributed to Sidney Risley's Pottery in Norwich, circa 1835-1870, describing the local industry as one that took advantage of the Thames River for its export and import needs during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. 

Although, this object also closely resembles jars made by the Clark family in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, circa 1775-1825, most prominently by Peter Clark with a few examples owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, New Hampshire. I have not seen any evidence that would suggest this form was also made in Connecticut after the American Revolution; the Lyman Allyn Art Museum's jar may also be the source of attribution that has been used for related objects through the years that appear more like wares made in coastal Massachusetts and central New Hampshire. 

Nevertheless, this is a really nice jar that was acquired as a gift from the estate of Katherine Kent in 1947; interestingly, I posted an article this past winter showing a very similar jar that I had just acquired for my personal collection.

Jar on Display at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Closely Resembles Jars Made by Peter Clark in Lyndeborough, N.H.

Circa 1775-1825

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Lyman Allyn Art Museum

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A Painted Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Vase Found Near Hartford, Connecticut

While in Connecticut last week, I stopped into an antique shop that I had never previously visited, not far from Hartford in Farmington, Connecticut, finding this painted red earthenware vase with a lead glazed interior. I believe the unmarked vase was likely made at the Charles A. Lawrence (1829-1904) Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts, circa 1870-1900.

Even though it was found near Hartford, the production of this vase does not appear to me like something made in that city in the late 1800s, especially at the Goodwin Brothers Pottery, who did manufacture painted wares made out of red earthenware. 

Although, the painted decoration is also unusual for the Beverly Pottery, I believe it very well could be original to production, otherwise it must be from the original owner, seeing that some vases were sold without decoration meant to be painted by the purchaser sometimes even given as a gift to someone special. It is decorated on one side with roses and Lily of the valley, and the other with a family of bunnies.

It is also worth noting that Historic Beverly owns several pieces in their collection from the Beverly Pottery painted with similar flowers, as well as others produced in a similar shape. For more information about this business, I recommend a book I wrote available through Historic Beverly that was published in 2019, titled, The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence.

Painted Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Vase Found Near Hartford, Connecticut

My Niece Alexis Holding the Red Earthenware Vase

Likely Made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

This Side is Decorated with Roses and Lily of the Valley

See Article for More Information

My Niece Alexis Holding the Red Earthenware Vase

Likely Made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

This Side is Decorated with a Family of Bunnies

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Painted Vase

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Painted Vase

See Article for More Information

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

A Red Earthenware Jar Decorated with a Tulip Attributed to Whitewater, Wisconsin

Last week, I posted a story about red earthenware manufactured in Wisconsin in the nineteenth century, which is a subject I truly believe should receive much more recognition today. And coincidentally, this red earthenware jar sold last night on eBay that is attributed to the pottery industry in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Between 1845 and 1882, the city of Whitewater was home to five potteries operated by both German immigrants and settlers from New England and New York. The Whitewater potteries supplied settlers in the region with a wide variety of utilitarian forms. And by about 1867, the Whitewater potteries transitioned from the production of glazed utilitarian wares to flowerpots and vases. Much of this production is underappreciated today outside of the Midwest region, even though it should be recognized on a national level by collectors and major national art museums.

This large jar happens to be decorated in a style often found with some of the Whitewater potteries, adorned on one side with a tulip. Interestingly, many of the wares made in Whitewater decorated with tulips are attributed to Michael Ohnhaus and John Milz, circa 1859-1865.

A Red Earthenware Jar Decorated with a Tulip Attributed to Whitewater, Wisconsin

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Decorated with a Tulip in Slip

Attributed to the Potteries in Whitewater, WI

Circa 1845-1867

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

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A Stoneware Jug Decorated with Applied Flowers Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Through the years, I have noticed examples of nineteenth century stoneware decorated with applied flowers often attributed to the Mid Atlantic region and Ohio. However, while studying some examples of pottery made in Wisconsin last week, I noticed that this stoneware jug with very similar applied floral decoration is in the collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society. 

According to the historical society, "The jug was made at the Charles Hermann pottery by Herman's daughter Adolf (Ella) Hagemann. Presumably, Hagemann applied the molded clay flowers to a jug thrown by a member of her father's staff. 

In 1856, Swiss immigrant Charles Hermann established the largest and longest-lived stoneware manufactory in Milwaukee. As Hermann's dock workers shoveled tons of clay brought by boat from Ohio and Illinois, his potters and kiln operators crafted utilitarian wares such as bottles, churns, crocks and jars for sale throughout the region. He later entered into a partnership with his stepson Louis M. Pierron who became sole owner of the company in 1886. Only a few years later, Hermann died in Milwaukee in 1892."

Jug Decorated with Flowers Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, WI

19th Century Stoneware Jug Decorated with Flowers

Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, WI

Circa 1885

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Wisconsin Historical Society

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

Local Red Earthenware Documented in the Wisconsin Decorative Arts Database

Wisconsin is an area that is completely overlooked today outside of the Midwest for its nineteenth century red earthenware production; in fact, there is pottery that I have seen in recent years attributed to New England and even the Mid Atlantic region that was actually manufactured in Wisconsin. 

I recently noticed that the Wisconsin Decorative Arts Database posted a great selection of locally made (red) earthenware to its website; the organization is a collaboration of the Chipstone Foundation, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and the Material Culture Program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

These are three of the great examples of Wisconsin made red earthenware that can be found posted on the website; all you have to do is search "earthenware" in the advanced search box and pages of results will appear.

Examples of Red Earthenware Made in Wisconsin

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the George Hammett Pottery in Lafayette County, WI

Circa 1853-1880

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Wisconsin Historical Museum

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the George Hammett Pottery in Lafayette County, WI

Circa 1853-1880

Stands 12 3/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Kenosha Public Museum

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to the George Hammett Pottery in Lafayette County, WI

Circa 1853-1880

Stands 11 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Kenosha Public Museum

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

A Late Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Hen on Nest Dish

This is another one of my purchases from two weeks ago in Pennsylvania; I have admired this late nineteenth century red earthenware hen on nest dish for years now. It is modeled after glass forms that were made in America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, although, I have never seen another red earthenware example like this before. 

It was found some years ago in Pennsylvania, and that is where I suspect it was also made, even though a number of the glass examples were made at factories in the Midwest. 

I actually posted this piece on my Instagram account last week, saying that the form is somewhat nostalgic for me, seeing that I can remember running around my parent's house as a kid with my sister at Easter, and finding that my parents had hidden candy in some of the glass examples they own.

A Late Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Hen on Nest Dish

My Niece Alexis Holding the Red Earthenware Hen on Nest Dish

See Article for More Information

Late 19th Century Red Earthenware Hen on Nest Dish

Modeled After Glass Forms Made in America in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century

This Example was Probably Made in Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

A Similar Glass Form Hen on Nest Dish

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Dishes

See Article for More Information

An Unusual Example of Nineteenth Century American Salt-Glazed Stoneware

This is a nineteenth century salt-glazed stoneware jar that I believe I have posted before; I purchased it years ago out of Ohio. And even though it may look like a red earthenware glaze, this is actually under fired stoneware that appears this way on the exterior and interior. As a result, I really feel this unanticipated spotted green and orange glaze adds a dramatic feature to the aesthetic appeal of this object.

Interestingly, soon after I purchased this jar, I showed it to Brandt Zipp of Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland, and he told me that they have sold at least one related jar. Although, it also appears that the business responsible for these objects may be undocumented today, even though the form seems to potentially suggest a Midwestern origin. 

This particular jar is also decorated on both sides and each handle with some cobalt decoration. To my knowledge, this is a highly unusual surviving example of nineteenth century American stoneware. It would be great to hear from anyone reading this post who may be able to add some information to where this jar may have been made!

An Unusual Example of Nineteenth Century American Salt-Glazed Stoneware

An Unusual Example of Nineteenth Century American Salt-Glazed Stoneware

This Jar Has Been Under Fired Explaining the Unusual Glaze

Purchased Years Ago in Ohio

Probably Manufactured in the Midwest

See Article for More Information

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

Bristol County Red Earthenware Pitcher Acquired Last Weekend in New York City

This is the second piece of pottery that we acquired last weekend in New York City, after taking a slight detour from the city to visit longtime antiques dealer and collector Joe Moffitt in Westchester, New York. Unlike the jug that I also wrote about today, this piece did not really have to be cleaned, and it's actually why we ventured out of the city to begin with.

This is an excellent example of late eighteenth or early nineteenth century red earthenware from Bristol County, Massachusetts. The form is spectacular, as is the glaze, as well. I actually own a very similar piece that sold through Skinner in Boston more than a decade ago, but it's slightly different, and I feel this pitcher is decorated in a more vibrant colored glaze. 

Both my niece and I were entertained when we pulled into Joe Moffitt's driveway, seeing that his garage door was open, and sitting on a table in plain sight were both the jug and this pitcher! It was an awesome greeting! I posted pictures of this on my Instagram page today.

Note: As I already mentioned on this website, I visited Greg Kramer last week in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, and I still have other pieces of pottery to share from that trip.

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Bristol County Red Earthenware Pitcher

My Niece Alexis Holding the Pitcher Moments After We Acquired it in Westchester, New York

See Article for More Information

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Bristol County, Mass.

Circa 1780-1820

Stands 8 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

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

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Acquired Last Weekend in New York City

While visiting New York City last weekend with my niece Alexis, we ended up taking a detour from the city and visiting longtime Westchester, New York antiques dealer and collector Joe Moffitt. He owns a small collection of good pieces of red earthenware, and we purchased two of those objects. 

This jug is the first of those pieces; I believe it originates in western New York sometime after 1850 - it may be related to Lorenzo Johnson in Newstead, New York and other potters who were manufacturing red earthenware during this period to appear like stoneware. In many ways, stoneware had superseded red earthenware production in this region by the mid-1800s, and some potters were manufacturing red earthenware forms to appear like stoneware. This jug is of particular interest because it is decorated in blue with initials, which could be highly significant, but I have yet to research the meaning behind it. 

Interestingly, we had actually talked about the hundred or so years worth of dirt and grime that covered the jug, although, I decided to clean it with soap and water when I got home, revealing a really attractive glaze that was hidden beneath. The difference in how the jug appears can be seen in the following group of photos; the first photo shows how it appeared before it was cleaned, moments after we purchased it, and the remaining photos are from after it was cleaned.

Note: Here is a link to a story I also posted today about the second piece of red earthenware we acquired from this collection.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Made in Imitation of Stoneware

My Niece Alexis Holding the Jug Just After We Acquired It Near New York City

This is How the Jug Appeared Before I Cleaned It

See Article for More Information

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Probably Manufactured in Western New York

Made in Imitation of Stoneware

Likely Made After 1850

The Jug is Decorated in Blue with a Person's Initials

This is How the Jug Appeared After I Cleaned It

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug

See Article for More Information

View of the Initials Decorated in Blue

See Article for More Information

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

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

An Outstanding Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Figure of a Lion

Over the weekend, I visited New York City with my niece Alexis, and among our stops was the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. We went to the museum Saturday afternoon, with timed tickets that we purchased the day before, although, we also brought along this terrific nineteenth century red earthenware figure of a lion that is attributed to John Bell (1800-1880) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. 

We photographed the lion on the steps in front of the museum, largely knowing that inside the museum we would see two famed lions also made by Bell in Waynesboro, which were recently acquired from the Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection in Manhattan. The facial expression and features found on this lion's face are similar to some known lions made by Bell, as well as others from the Bell family in the Shenandoah Valley, such as examples owned by the Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro. The glazed base is also indicative of many examples of red earthenware manufactured in Waynesboro in the 1800s.

Aside from the figure and the form, I think the glaze on this object is also great, mostly revealing a green glaze, but there are traces of other colors, as well, including black and brown, along with variations in the green.

An Outstanding Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Figure of a Lion

My Niece Alexis Outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan

She's Holding an Outstanding Red Earthenware Figure of a Lion

See Article for More Information

19th Century Red Earthenware Figure of a Lion

Attributed to John Bell (1800-1880) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Lion

See Article for More Information

View of the Base

This Type of Glazed Base is Indicative of a Lot Pottery Made in Waynesboro, PA

See Article for More Information

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

Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Dog from Pennsylvania

A few weeks ago, Antiques & Auction News published a research story I wrote in the August 21, 2020 issue, titled, "A Look At 19th-Century Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania," and while visiting Robesonia, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Greg Kramer earlier this week, I decided to purchase this nineteenth century red earthenware dog from his massive inventory. The base is damaged which I plan on having repaired at some point, although, many of these type of existing figures did sustain some damage because of how they were used through the years. Overall, though, I thought this was a nice example! A similar dog can be found in the collection of Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Dog from Pennsylvania

Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Dog from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Dog

See Article for More Information

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

A Late Eighteenth or Early Nineteenth Century Slipware Plate that Sold Yesterday in Central Massachusetts

This late eighteenth or early nineteenth century slip decorated red earthenware plate attributed to Pennsylvania sold yesterday at D.L. Straight Auctions in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. There was a ton of slipware manufactured in Pennsylvania in the eighteenth and nineteenth century, although, I thought this specific piece was notable seeing that it is similar to artifacts that I have written about on this website recovered within a circa 1790-1820 archaeological context in Philadelphia. I guess this plate could be earlier, but that is typically the timeframe that I see this type of slipware found in archaeological contexts in Philadelphia. 

I should also mention, though that Philadelphia style red earthenware was made elsewhere in southeastern Pennsylvania, as well. 

For those who usually ask what it sold for - it brought $750 plus the premiums, which depending on what century this piece actually dates from then it may have been a real good price for the buyer.

Late Eighteenth or Early Nineteenth Century Slipware Plate

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Plate

Likely Made in Philadelphia, Otherwise Southeastern Pennsylvania

Likely Circa 1790-1820

Measures 8" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: D.L. Straight Auctions

View of the Back

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: D.L. Straight Auctions

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19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Warren County, Ohio

Published in the February 28, 2020 issue of Antiques & Auction News was a research story I wrote about a specific type of red earthenware manufactured in Warren County, Ohio, especially in the  1860s and 1870s. I was able to write that story largely because of the research of Oregonia, Ohio potter Greg Shooner, who lent his knowledge on the subject and pictures from his personal collection. Nevertheless, I recently came across pictures of this jar that is directly related to that brand of production, which sold at Apple Tree Auction Center in Newark, Ohio in July 2005. I truly believe this is a type of production that should be recognized on a regional and national level today - many of these type of wares manufactured in Warren County could also be displayed at major art museums around the country. 

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Warren County, Ohio

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Warren County, Ohio

Circa 1860s or 1870s

Stands 12" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Apple Tree Auction Center

View of One of the Handles

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Apple Tree Auction Center

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Apple Tree Auction Center

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

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Recovered from a River in Central Vermont

While reading Facebook over the weekend, I came across a post in a pottery group showing this nineteenth century red earthenware jar that was just recovered by Bram Hepburn from a river in central Vermont. This is such a cool discovery seeing I have seen other jars in this exact shape decorated with this exact glaze attributed to Vermont. And while I cannot provide anymore information about the context that this jar was discovered, it is still an amazing find, documenting a wonderful style of red earthenware manufactured in Vermont in the 1800s.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Recovered from a River in Central Vermont

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Recovered from a River in Central Vermont

There are Known Matching Jars Attributed to Vermont

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bram Hepburn

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

Exciting News About My Pottery Collection

I have been thinking about it for almost six months now, and I decided yesterday morning was the day! I have begun to thin out my pottery collection of over 800 pieces. I dropped off 53 pieces yesterday afternoon with Dave Hillier at Antiques Associates at West Townsend in Massachusetts who will be handling what I have decided to sell right now. Some of the pieces were even used as study examples for publication. And there should be more to follow depending on how this goes. A lot of what I am selling are pieces that I bought years ago while learning about early American pottery, but my interests through the years have changed and evolved.

Although, I do want to note that I am not selling my entire collection - that's far from the case. I am keeping the majority of it - I have decided to only keep the best, rarest and most unusual (and any pieces that hold sentimental value). Many of those pieces include the objects that have been published in my research articles and books. And I am only going to buy the best that I can afford from now on. 

Dave said all of this information will be advertised in the upcoming national trade publications. I am really excited over this, seeing it has been a thought this year of what I am going to do with it all. I hope anyone who is interested either visits Dave Hillier or checks out West Townsend's website in the coming weeks and months!

Note: I am also in discussion with another dealer/broker about selling 100 or so pieces of another type of pottery that I collected when I first started out, which is in storage in my cellar. More news on that to follow!

Exciting News About My Pottery Collection

My Niece Alexis with the Pottery I Dropped Off Yesterday at AAAWT

See Article for More Information

My Niece Alexis with an Alabama Stoneware Churn I Dropped Off Yesterday at AAAWT

See Article for More Information

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

New Published Research Story in Antiques & Auction News: Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania

Here is the print version of a research story I wrote earlier this summer that was just published in the August 21, 2020 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, "A Look At 19th-Century Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania."

Even though the story focuses on figures made in Pennsylvania, I also highlight important objects made by the Kirkpatrick brothers in Anna, Illinois, as well as eighteenth century red earthenware figures made by a German potter in Abington, Massachusetts, among wares made by other early American potters.

The basis of the story were objects that I have handled through the years in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., Winterthur in Delaware, the New York Historical Society in Manhattan and the Dyer Memorial Library in Massachusetts.

Here are links to each page of the story posted to my Scribd account, where all of my published research articles can be found.

Page 1

Page 2

"A Look At 19th-Century Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania"

New Published Research Story

"A Look At 19th-Century Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania"

Published in the August 21, 2020 Issue of Antiques & Auction News

See Article for More Information

New Published Research Story

"A Look At 19th-Century Red Earthenware Figures Made in Pennsylvania"

Published in the August 21, 2020 Issue of Antiques & Auction News

See Article for More Information

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