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Seeing Red: Southeastern Pennsylvania Earthenware from Winterthur

January 22, 2011 - March 20, 2011
Teapot, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1799. Inscribed “Gott seyne. euch in essen und trincken oder” (God bless you all in food and drink) and “1799.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont.
Teapot, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1799. Inscribed “Gott seyne. euch in essen und trincken oder” (God bless you all in food and drink) and “1799.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont.
Bird whistle, John Dry (or Drey), Dryville Pottery, Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1809. Signed “John / Drey / 1809.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Jim Schneck.
Bird whistle, John Dry (or Drey), Dryville Pottery, Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1809. Signed “John / Drey / 1809.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Jim Schneck.
(Left to right): Dog figure, attributed to John Bell Sr., Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 1833-80; dog bank, attributed to George Wagner, Lehighton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, 1875-1900; dog figure, attributed to Jesiah Shorb, West Manheim To
(Left to right): Dog figure, attributed to John Bell Sr., Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 1833-80; dog bank, attributed to George Wagner, Lehighton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, 1875-1900; dog figure, attributed to Jesiah Shorb, West Manheim To
Slip trailer, possibly Pennsylvania, 1775-1850. Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Herb Crossan
Slip trailer, possibly Pennsylvania, 1775-1850. Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Herb Crossan
Inkstand, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1861. Inscribed “John E_ustus / Bucher King [St???] / 1861.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont.
Inkstand, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1861. Inscribed “John E_ustus / Bucher King [St???] / 1861.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont.
Covered bowl, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1780-1830; dish, attributed to George Hubener, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 1787. Inscribed “Wann das ma \ e / nngen und das hengen nicht wehr, so sta \ e / nden die wiegen und hickel heusser Lehr: September 14
Covered bowl, southeastern Pennsylvania, 1780-1830; dish, attributed to George Hubener, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 1787. Inscribed “Wann das ma \ e / nngen und das hengen nicht wehr, so sta \ e / nden die wiegen und hickel heusser Lehr: September 14
Tea canister, attributed to Joseph Smith, Wrightstown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1769. Inscribed “L. Smith,” and “T[key]E[spoon]A.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Gavin Ashworth
Tea canister, attributed to Joseph Smith, Wrightstown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1769. Inscribed “L. Smith,” and “T[key]E[spoon]A.” Winterthur, bequest of Henry Francis du Pont. Photo: Gavin Ashworth

During the 18th and 19th centuries, red earthenware was omnipresent in the homes of southeastern Pennsylvania residents. 

It was supplied by both Pennsylvania German potters and regional craftsmen from other backgrounds. Although luxury items like whistles and inkstands were available, most consumers purchased more utilitarian forms such as dishes, cooking and dairy pans, jugs, roof tiles, and flowerpots. Depending on the owner's pocketbook and preferences, these objects-whether decorated or not-were acquired for kitchens, dining rooms, parlors, and gardens. Selected from Winterthur's important collection of American earthenware, the items featured in this display helped tell stories about their creators and original users.