Dish

Date1800-1825

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed

Dimensions11 1/4" x 1 7/8" (28.7 cm. x 4.5 cm.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1977.900.1

DescriptionPie plate of redware, glazed on interior surface. Some glaze has dripped or been brushed in irregular spots on reverse of plate, mainly sides. Rim is lipless, with a small serration of the inside edge. The interior of the plate shows a raised, molded design consisting of large, 2-handled cups or pots on either side, both having a double triangular base. Leafed stems spring from each pot and, at upper right and left, two large tulip blossoms appear. The stems continue toward the upper center of the plate, where they join beneath a single, very large open tulip blossom. Directly beneath the large blossom, but at almost a 45 degree angle, are the initials "G : W". It is unknown who GW was, but it is possible they were the maker's initials or perhaps the initials of the person for whom the dish was made. Beneath the initials is a stylized rooster. The interior of the plate is covered with dark brown iron oxide, except for three wavy stripes running horizontally across it; these are the natural color of the clay showing through. Running across the plate beneath each orangey-red line is a curly line of white slip (appearing yellow), each of which has had part of the iron oxide drawn into it with a pointed instrument in simplified "marbleized" effect. The interior is covered with lead glaze.
Label TextSlip decorated pie plates survive in considerable numbers from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This plate is unusual because of the inclusion of additional molded lettering and decoration. Best viewed in a raking light, the center of the plate shows a raised design of potted, blooming tulips and, at bottom, a rooster beneath the initials "G W," possibly that of the plate's maker or owner.
MarkingsThe letters "G W: are molded on the interior of the plate.
ProvenanceThomas Banks, Bally, Penn.

Exhibition(s)