Redware

Most of the North American glazed red earthenware was made in the eighteenths and nineteenth centuries.  As early as the 1600's the Colonist who had brought their skills with them from Northern Europe were making redware for utilitarian uses also.  After 1840, finer, denser, clays were found in Pennsylvania and production in the state moved from redware to stoneware.  However, the earlier redware was produced in greater quantities and with more varied decoration. 

With the limited methods of production, the emphasis was in the decoration, trailed and combed slip and sgraffito.  Potters did other seasonal agricultural jobs and made pots with the their neighbors and families.  They supplied their local community and rarely sold to people outside it.

Redware is still made today and can be found by some local craftsmen in Pennsylvania who continue using this medium. 

Credits Info:    Judith Miller antiques Price Guide                                  Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide   2001                                               Griggy's Store