Images(2)

Dish

Date1790-1820

OriginAmerica, North Carolina, Alamance County

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, coarse slipware

Dimensions2 1/2 x 11in. (6.4 x 27.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2003-171

DescriptionDish with dark brown or black slip ground and trailed slip decoration in red and white. There are four elongated diamond or lozenge shaped panels evenly spaced around the rim that containe marbled red and white slip. These lozenges are surrounded by dots of white slip. There is white slip on the edge and trailed wavy lines of both white and red slip all around the dish. In the center is a stylized "star" of red and white slip.
Label TextThe designs on this dish and related examples demonstrate that potters working in relatively remote Alamance County, North Carolina, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries were quite talented. Decoration of this kind stems from a long tradition that began in the Palatine region of Germany, a European melting pot with settlers of French, Swiss, and Belgian origin. Potters and other artisans emigrated from the region to Pennsylvania and eventually to the North Carolina Backcountry, where they maintained strong kinship and religious networks. These ties helped keep design elements from Europe alive in their work as illustrated by this dish.
ProvenancePurchased from Luke Beckerdite 2003

Sold at Sotheby's auction, January 18, 2003 (Sinking Springs Farms: The Appell Family Collection sale), Lot 1207.

Purchased by the Appell's from Joe Kindig, Jr., York, Pennsylvania