This was perhaps a rare find two days ago at my local Sunday flea market in Massachusetts - this twentieth century red earthenware vase was recently found during a house clean out in Peabody, Massachusetts, where the Victorian period home was reportedly occupied by the same family for multiple generations. And it just so happens that there are a lot of unknowns about the various decorative wares made at the Moses B. Paige (1847/48-1941) Pottery in Peabody during the circa 1900-1940 period, as well as two Italian trained potters bearing the surname Paolucci, who migrated to Salem, Massachusetts in the early 1900s and worked alongside other potters for Paige, later branching out on their own in Peabody, circa 1945 to the early 1950s. In fact, Historic New England owns a pitcher they made in 1926 that was decorated by one of their daughters; the colors on that pitcher are similar to those seen on this vase. The crayon or whatever was used to draw on the base is also found on wares made at the Paige Pottery owned by the Peabody Historical Society.
Furthermore, the manufacture of this form may be indicative of earlier jars made in central and northern New England in the 1800s, whereas the style of the rim was also a popular characteristic found on various jars, pitchers and handled pots made throughout Essex County, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and parts of Maine, as well as elsewhere in central and northern New England. Additionally, the color of the clay and the way the footed base was produced is similar to what is expected from production in Essex County in the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century.
However, I have nothing to compare this vase to, whatsoever, but it is skillfully thrown and decorated with incised acorn branches, a style of decoration quite popular with Majolica from the 1800s through the mid-twentieth century or so, as well as rustic wares made in the 1800s. The incised decoration is highlighted with three colors of slip.
I had also considered that this is possibly a modern piece made in the last forty years, but I can not find a record of anything like it, whereas I would think it would have been signed or marked during this period.
Note: I actually posted this vase to my Facebook and Instagram accounts a few days ago with some of this text - and the feeling was from multiple people that this vase dates from the mid- twentieth century or possibly a little earlier.
For more information about the Paige Pottery and the Paoluccis - I recommend my second book available through Historic Beverly in Massachusetts and other retailers, titled, The Moses B. Paige Company: The Last of the Peabody Potteries.
Does anyone reading this have any thoughts about this object?
A Red Earthenware Vase Found in a Victorian Period House in Peabody, Mass.
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Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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