Collections: Antique Redware

I started collecting Redware in May of 1989, while antiquing in Lumberville, PA in Buck's County. What drew me in was the simplicity and history of each piece. Genuine Redware pieces are unique, individually crafted, and part of early American history. Different from stoneware, Redware is made from soft red clay by craftsmen in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries from the mid-Atlantic colonies. The technique has its origins in France and England. They were used as everyday dishes and temporary storage containers. Many are plain while others have slip designs: a thin layer of clay over the base clay, to make colored designs. Whether pian or slip-decorated, the pieces are works of art in their simple, lovely shapes and utilitarian forms. Redware was made to be functional and with an abundance of red clay, inexpensive to make. The earliest pieces found on American soil date back to 1625. Most of the pieces in my collection appear to be from the early to mid 1700s. On the left is a tall storage jar with sponge decorating, center is a milk pitcher, and behind it a plate with curved edges.

This particular grouping contains darker colored redware, due to having a manganese glaze. They appear very dark, almost black. From left to right: wide diameter preserve jar, a handled ovoid-shaped jug, a tall storage jar with coggled edging just below the opening, a small ink well, regular storage jar, an ovoid vase which could also have been used as a canning jar or a humidor. 

This lovely grouping has the traditional clear glaze over red clay pottery, giving it the reddish color. From left to right:a unique short small opening with formed circular handles surrounding the opening and containing a small spout. This unusual piece may have been for ink, or to hold paint used in decorating other objects. It might also have been used for a baby or young child to drink from or used as a creamer. The large plate is gradually curved at its perimeter and used for eating dinner, or a thick stew or soup. Next is an ovoid open mouth jar. Next is a handled water jug, followed by a tall storage jar and finally a small bowl for dipping or sipping.

This stunning plate features instrument decorated indentations, 'coggled' along the border. The base is decorated with slip design, using soft clay of contrasting color in squiggles. It would have been used as a serving platter.

On the left is a coin (probably for pennies) bank! It is uniquely shaped to look like an orange and finished with tiny point indentations all around its surface to simulate the texture of an orange peel! On the right is either for a food mold or a juicer for oranges, lemons, etc.

The wide-mouth jar on the left has the typical exterior glazing while the small open-mouth pot remains unglazed on the exterior yet glazed on the interior. The latter were used as cooling jars.

A cooling jar having glazed interior but unglazed exterior might have been used for apple butter, jams, or  preserves.

The lovely bowl on the left is decorated with soft clay or contrasting colors, in a drip and brush scalloped design. It was probably a serving bowl for potatoes or vegetables. On the right is a flat bowl or medium sized plate, decorated in dark clay using a sponge.

IHere is another example of detailed and glazed interior, with unglazed exterior. The bowl is fairly deep and might have also been used to hold fruit or as a milk basin.

You will know after you've been collecting with an experienced antique dealer, but the best way is to turn the piece over and look at the underside. It should look old, and as if it was individually made and literally cut off the potter's wheel.

A second example of the appearance of the bottom of a genuine piece of redware. Finally, you are wondering if these are valuable? Yes they are, especially if in mint condition. I have found that they hold their value relatively stable in the forty years I've been a collector. You will find them in all conditions. I would not buy one with cracks or chips. Hold out for lovely pieces in mint condition.