Platter
Periodca. 1800 - 1850
Place MadeNew Jersey or Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
MediumRedware
Dimensions2.38 × 13.25 × 9.88 in. (6 × 33.7 × 25.1 cm)
InscribedWritten on an adhesive label on the underside: "Gift from Mrs. / J.A. Haskell"
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1937
Object number1979.508.13
DescriptionAn ovoid redware platter with a deep slanted bowl and darkened edge. The platter is decorated with four sets of squiggly lines in yellow slip glaze.Curatorial RemarksRed clay, colored by iron oxide, was found in almost all of the American colonies. Potters used the locally-sourced material to create bowls, dishes, and platters for their customers. The clay fired at a relatively low temperature and resulted in a heavy, relatively durable product. Many potters chose to decorate their redware items with yellow-colored "slip," a mixture of yellow clay and water to create a pourable or paintable ornamentation. Potters also "crimped" or textured the edges of their plates and platters to protect against chipping and damage.
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