Artist unknown (American, 18th–19th century)
Pennsylvania German
Plate
INV-8369
Artist unknown (American, 18th–19th century)
Pennsylvania German1780–1820
Folk Artplate (general, dish)earthenware
Date
1780–1820
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
3.2 × 23.5 cm (1 1/4 × 9 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Atlan Ceramic Club Fund
Unlike the Art Institute's plate by Rudolph Drach (see 1907.122) on which the maker inscribed his name, many objects in the Pennsylvania German tradition are unmarked, obscuring authorship for subsequent generations. Creamy white slip (which appears yellow due to the lead glaze on top of it) was applied to the surface of this plate, onto which sgraffito decoration was incised. The addition of lightly applied copper oxide created green accents across the plate. Pennsylvania German vessels are further characterized by bold designs of tulips, stars, and hearts. This octagonal plate incorporates another tradition motif—the stylized pomegranate.
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