Two Good Examples of Red Earthenware from Norwalk, Connecticut that are Inscribed with the Names of Saints

According to an article written by Richard Miller for the 2016 issue of Ceramics in America, titled, Norwalk (Connecticut) Slip-script Pottery, the Potters, and Related Ware: "Customers at the Asa Edward Smith (1798-1880) Pottery (ca. 1825-1887) in Norwalk, Connecticut could order dishes inscribed with the names of saints who served as models for a Christian life. The number of extant examples is large, with those inscribed "St. Francis Xavier" and "St. Remigius" typifying most.

Among the favorites were martyred saints, two of whom had died or whose remains were rediscovered about the time Connecticut was settled: "St. Fidelas Martyr" commemorates the man who died at the hands of Calvanists in 1622 and "St. Martina Virgin and Mayrter" died in 226; her site was discovered in 1634. By preserving the names of individuals who gave their lives for their faith, the dishes can be seen as an extension of the Methodist Church's ministry in Norwalk."

Nonetheless, these are two great examples of this type of slip script red earthenware production that I just acquired. Furthermore, both bear inscriptions that I have never seen before, whereas this is also a type of production that I think is really important today. In fact, these inscriptions may be unique by what survives from this type of production based on what I have seen in museums and private collections, including what is owned by the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford.

The script on the first plate shown reads, "St. Boniface” (ca. 675-754), who was an English Benedictine monk and leading figure in the Anglo-Saxon mission to the Germanic parts of Francia during the eighth century. He organised significant foundations of the church in Germany and was made bishop of Mainz by Pope Gregory III. The second plate is inscribed slip, "St. Aloysius” (1568-1591), an Italian aristocrat who became a member of the Society of Jesus.

Two Good Examples of Red Earthenware from Norwalk, Connecticut

19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware Dish Made in Norwalk, Conneticut

Attributed to the Asa Smith Pottery

The Script Reads "St. Boniface”

Circa 1825-1850

Measures 10 1/4" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware Dish Made in Norwalk, Conneticut

Attributed to the Asa Smith Pottery

The Script Reads "St. Aloysius”

Circa 1825-1850

Measures 12 1/4" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

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