Redware pottery is a fascinating type of earthenware known for its rich red hue. With its history stretching back to ancient times, this pottery has found its way through various cultures and centuries.
If you’re looking to identify authentic pieces, understanding the telltale signs can help you distinguish genuine redware from modern replicas.
Look for the distinctive reddish-brown color made from clay with high iron content.
Authentic redware will often have signs of age, like chipped edges or a blackened bottom, while modern replicas might have deeply impressed marks or artificially aged features.
Pay attention to the design elements commonly seen in traditional redware. Historically, decorators used techniques like dipping goose quills in colorful slip to create names, sayings, and abstract designs.
Knowing these intricate details can make all the difference in spotting authentic pieces.
History and Origins of Redware Pottery
Redware pottery has a rich history spanning continents and centuries. The roots of this unique pottery style are found in Europe and America, each adding distinct techniques and styles to its evolution.
European Legacy
Redware pottery, known for its reddish-brown color, dates back to ancient times across Europe. The Neolithic period saw early forms of this pottery, with techniques spreading through Asia, including China.
In Europe, redware became prominent in places like England and Germany. Peoples used terra sigillata, a Roman invention, to create fine, glossy surfaces on their pottery.
The Romano-British Crambeck ware from England is another good example of redware. These styles influenced the techniques brought to America by settlers.
Germany and England’s contributions were crucial. Techniques from these locations laid the groundwork for the more elaborate redware styles developed later.
American Redware Evolution
When European settlers, especially from Germany and the Netherlands, came to North America, they brought their pottery skills with them. Redware soon became popular in the American colonies during the colonial period.
The clay was abundant and affordable, making it a common household item.
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Dutch developed their unique approach to redware. They were known for decorating pottery with colorful slip and using goose quills to create intricate designs.
These pieces often had names, sayings, dates, and abstract patterns, reflecting the cultural heritage of the settlers.
American redware evolved throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, incorporating local influences and materials. Artisans like John Dry helped shape the industry, passing skills through generations.
Today, American redware remains a cherished collectible, showcasing the unique blend of European techniques and American creativity.
Identifying Characteristics of Redware
Redware pottery has distinct features that can help you identify authentic pieces. These include the material’s texture, the reddish-brown color, and unique decorations.
Material and Texture
Redware pottery uses clay with a high iron content. This clay is usually red clay, which gives the pottery its strong, earthy feel. When you touch redware, it might feel grainy or pebbly, especially if unglazed.
The pottery is often brittle, so handle it carefully. Over time, you might see crazing, which are small cracks on its surface. Despite its age, well-kept redware maintains a sturdy, somewhat uneven texture that hints at its handmade nature.
Color and Glazing
The hallmark of redware is its reddish-brown color. This color comes from the iron content in the clay, which turns reddish when fired. There are variations, including gray and even black in some cases.
Glazed redware often has a smooth, shiny surface. Traditional glazes might have lead, so be cautious. Unglazed pieces show their natural earthy color and a matte finish. Over time, you might notice crazing in the glaze, which adds to its antique charm.
Decorative Elements
Redware pottery features a range of decorative elements. Common motifs include tulips, roosters, flowers, eagles, birds, and animals. Look for these designs to identify genuine pieces. Some pieces are decorated using sgraffito, a technique where designs are scratched into the clay before firing.
You might also see slip designs, where liquid clay is applied before the piece is fired, creating raised patterns. Marks from the potter or maker can often be found on the bottom, offering additional clues to its authenticity.
In newer reproductions, modern paint and glazes might be used, so authenticity checks are important. Genuine antique redware often shows signs of wear that come with age, such as faded colors and minor chips.
Production and Uses of Redware
Redware pottery is known for its distinct reddish-brown color, resulting from the high iron content in the clay.
Pottery Techniques
Producing redware starts with sourcing clay rich in iron. The clay is carefully shaped into items like pots, plates, and jugs. Potters often use tools like goose quills to create designs.
Slip, a liquid mixture of clay and water, is applied as a coating. In some regions, tin or manganese is added to achieve a distinct look. Once shaped and dried, the pieces are fired in a kiln. The high heat causes the iron in the clay to oxidize, giving redware its characteristic color.
Functional and Artistic Uses
Redware has served many purposes throughout history. In the kitchen, redware pots and plates were common for cooking and storing food. Its affordability made it popular in dining and kitchen settings.
Aside from utilitarian uses, redware has also been valued for its artistic appeal. Folk artists often decorated redware with vibrant motifs, such as tulips, roosters, and flowers. These pieces became cherished items, especially as gifts. The terracotta texture and the unique vibrancy of redware make it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
Redware’s charm lies in its dual nature—practical for everyday use and a canvas for artistic expression. Whether in antique collections or modern interpretations, redware continues to captivate with its rich history and aesthetic appeal.
Collecting and Caring for Redware
Redware pottery is a valuable and collectible piece of folk art. Knowing how to assess its value and authenticity, and how to properly preserve and display it, is essential for both novice and experienced collectors.
Assessing Value and Authenticity
When collecting redware, you should look for specific markers that indicate authenticity. Signatures and marks by known potters add value. Many collectibles may also have unique designs, such as tulips, roosters, or animals.
Be cautious of reproductions—some sgraffito-designed pieces have been made since the 1920s. Authentic items may show signs of age, like wear on the glaze or sherds (broken fragments). Visiting museum collections and studying literature on redware can help you identify genuine pieces.
Major redware collections can be found in places like the Crocker Farm auction house which specializes in antique pottery. American redware is popular due to its historical significance and affordable pricing, while pieces from English, African, and other regions can vary widely in both style and value.
Preservation and Display
Properly caring for redware is key to maintaining its condition. Store pottery in a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the colors to fade.
When displaying your redware, use proper stands and supports to prevent tipping. Avoid areas with high traffic to reduce the risk of accidents. For added protection, consider using glass display cases, especially for more valuable or rare pieces.
Periodic cleaning is necessary but be gentle. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the surface. For museum-quality preservation, consult with a professional conservator.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your redware collection in excellent condition, whether it’s displayed at home or part of a larger exhibition.
