Another Preview of Forthcoming Tenth Book: Spiraled Slip Designs Produced in the Danvers and Salem, Massachusetts Area, Circa 1690-1790

This is another type of slip decorated red earthenware that will be discussed in some chapters of my forthcoming two-volume, 1,660 page, tenth book, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, Danvers, Peabody, Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts.

This hand-thrown circa 1770-1790 swirled or spiraled slip decorated red earthenware pan is a type of decoration that has been recovered from various circa 1690-1790 archaeological contexts in Danvers, Ipswich, Marblehead, Salem Village and Salem, Massachusetts. It first appears at the site of the James Kettle (1664/65-1712) Pottery in Salem Village, circa 1687-1709/10, although it was produced by later local potters, as well.

Nonetheless, even though it likely cannot be proven, the inspiration for the design may have been some of the cobalt decorations manufactured in the New York City area in the eighteenth century. Although the manufacture of this type of design dates back hundreds of years in Europe, as well as with ancient pottery made in Egypt, etc.

For example, the late eighteenth century double-handled stoneware jar is adorned with a similar cobalt design, however it was made by Abraham Mead (1742-1827) in Greenwich, Connecticut. Interestingly, Mead’s stoneware production was heavily influenced by New York City stoneware potters, primarily through his apprenticeship with the Dutch potter Adam States (1718-1769; also spelled Staats or Statts). Mead apprenticed under States, who was active in Manhattan between 1743 and 1746 before moving to Greenwich. States brought specialized New York City/Dutch/German techniques for making salt-glazed stoneware to the southern Connecticut region. 

Mead’s work frequently utilized "watchspring" motifs— scrolled or spiraled cobalt blue designs—that are directly linked to earlier pieces made by States in Manhattan. This style was also prolific in dominant pottery shops in lower Manhattan during that era, as well as the Cheesequake, New Jersey area and perhaps in the Hudson River Valley region to the north of New York City, etc. 

Note: To my knowledge - this is one of three existing eighteenth century red earthenware objects known today from the Danvers and Salem area adorned with this type of slip decoration; two pans and a large jar. There is also a related object owned by The Chipstone Foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconson.

(Left) 18th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Pan

Adorned with Spiraled Slip Designs

Likely Made in the Danvers and Salem, Mass. Area

Likely Circa 1770-1790

(Right) 18th Century Stoneware Jar with Spiraled Cobalt Designs

This Design is also Called "Watchspring"

Attributed to Abraham Mead (1742-1827) in Greenwich, Connecticut

Circa 1790

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection and the Connecticut Historical Society

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