This is a really great example of American nineteenth century sgraffito and slip decorated red earthenware dish, which I brought back to my house last fall from a private owner in the Mid-Atlantic region. I was trying to study and learn more about the object for the owner, although I also decided to include it in my forthcoming two-volume, 1,400 page Western New York book, titled, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York, seeing that there were many migrant German red earthenware potters in the region, where their production is largely undocumented today.
The plate was owned for decades by Charles Hoeflich (1914-2011), who was the former Vice President of the Philadelphia National Bank, former president of Univest Bank and a philanthropist.
Hoeflich's philanthropic endeavors were numerous. He was a founding director of the Human Rights Foundation, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and Penn Foundation. According to these organizations, Hoeflich's continued support and counsel for these charities were essential to their growth and continuation. His passion for giving back to the community continues today with the entire proceeds from his southeastern Pennsylvania estate benefitting Biblical Theological Seminary, Grand View Hospital, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and Penn Foundation.
Hoeflich's love of American history and Americana was evident in his collection of antiques. He was an avid collector of early American stoneware, baskets, redware, and furniture, especially unique and rare pieces from Colonial-era Pennsylvania.
The glaze on this dish includes yellow, green and orange, while also adorned with four sgraffito decorated fish. I have been unsuccessful in finding any related objects, although I was also trying to determine if there was any meaning behind the fish, since fish were used as a means of religion.
Basically, the fish represents the phrase of “Jesus Christ God's Son is Savior.” Some research has suggested that the fish symbol emerged in the first century or even before Jesus died on the cross, but nothing has been confirmed as to when the symbol and its meaning first began. Often the persecuted Christians would scratch this symbol on the ground to identify themselves to fellow believers. Soon, Christians began to attach meaning to the word “fish” itself.
Nevertheless, this dish is also currently available privately should anyone reading this post have an interest in acquiring this object; send me an email and I will gladly share more information about it.
19th C. Sgraffito Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Adorned with Four Fish
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