Antique Country Primitive Redware Folk Pottery Pitcher

Here's an exceptionally nice, 19th Century redware pitcher in very good condition, and just as we found it (minus the cob webs and dust)! Bulbous in shape, this primitive piece of pottery is thick-walled and rather beefy, but well-preserved and quite impressive. Coated in lead glaze with some mottling, it's mainly orange and has some green inside and out. Around the belly of this pitcher is a whimsical, hand applied chain-like decoration. A small area near the bottom of this piece as well as the underside itself were never glazed. Those unglazed portions have an old, original, grungy patina that's the result of use, wear, and the passage of time. Redware pots and pitchers like this one were stored in cellars on dirt floors and the natural, unglazed surfaces soaked up ground moisture and cooled whatever was being stored inside as the interior glaze protected the contents from contamination. The piece was likely used to store and serve homemade juices and milk back in its time. It stands 9 1/4 inches tall and is roughly 6 1/2 inches at its widest point. The base measures about 3 7/8 inches in diameter; the opening measures 4 7/8 inches long, across the spout. Of course, the dimensions may vary a bit on primitive pieces like this, depending where the measurements are taken.

Surviving pieces of 1800s utilitarian redware pottery typically have damage of some sort, especially chipping or cracks. But this pitcher has a just few imperfections from when it was fired during its manufacture. There are a few glaze drips/runs that add to its appearance. There's only very minor wear to the glaze around the opening rim that doesn't harm its charm. Best of all, there are no cracks or hairlines in this pitcher and the applied handle has never been broken. It's a rugged, structurally sound piece of pottery that's heavier than it looks. Before stoneware became popular, redware pieces like this one were the popular standard. While piece like this one saw plenty of use in their day, redware wasn't considered anything special back then. Now this pitcher has become a great example of folk pottery that would be a superb addition to any collection or a unique piece to decorate your home. Unique and charming, you won't be disappointed in this! It will be expertly packaged and shipped safely.