The Folk Art Pattern was introduced by the Pfaltzgraff Company in July, 1980 and was designed by David Walsh. He was also the designer of such other popular patterns as America and Tea Rose. Folk Art has proven to be one of the most popular patterns ever produced by Pfaltzgraff. The salt glazed crocks and jugs with cobalt blue embellishments made by the Pfaltzgraff company in the nineteenth century were the inspiration for the Folk Art pattern.

As with all stoneware these pieces are heavy and very durable. The warm tan background color with cobalt blue designs make Folk Art a perfect accessory to any home with a country, colonial,  or primitive decor. There are literally hundreds of different pieces to be found, from the basic table settings to the purely decorative pieces such as the limited edition Folk Art bird which was offered by Pfaltzgraff through its By Request program in 2001 in a series of only 250 pieces, each signed and numbered by David Walsh himself. The most common motifs found on Folk Art are cobalt blue flowers done in the style of the early salt glazed crocks and jugs, and also of birds based on the distlefink designs found on Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs found in Amish country. The distlefink is a symbol of good luck and was also the inspiration for the limited edition bird piece.

The number of pieces that are available means that there is a piece for just about any cooking or serving task and also make it fun and interesting to collect. So many of us strive to find and own every piece that was ever made that bidding on certain scarce items on eBay can get pretty competitive. I think most collectors agree that searching for these elusive pieces is almost as much fun as owning them.

Sadly, the pattern was discontinued by Pfaltzgraff in 1997, but many new items were introduced through Pfaltzgraff's By Request program which began in 2001 and continues today. Just what is available in the Folk Art pattern? There is a comprehensive reference guide written by Sandy Anderson available to members of the Folk Art Collectors Club. Check out my About ME page for more information about the FACC.

Prices on the secondary market for Pfaltzgraff Folk Art have varied widely over the last 5 or 6 years. Some rare pieces can go for hundreds of dollars while the more common pieces are extremely reasonable. Check out current listings on eBay to start or add to your collection!

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