Outstanding and Extremely Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Vase with Applied Foliate Decoration, attributed to J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1890, Shenandoah Valley redware vase with flared rim and ovoid waist embellished with incised banding, the base with two pronounced moldings. Surface coated with a light cream- colored slip and covered in a clear lead glaze. Front with applied vine design, the stem decorated with cream-colored slip, the leaves with incised veins and decorated with green copper slip. The reverse decorated with a brushed tulip plant design bearing three blossoms with open centers and dotted tips, applied in thicker cream-colored slip. According to Comstock's The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, applied foliate and bird designs found on Eberly redware were inspired by the work of Winchester, VA potter, Anthony Bacher. Bacher's style came to them through Lorenzo Fleet, a potter employed by the Eberlys who previously worked for Bacher. Interestingly, the influence of a second pottery can be noted in the elaborate white slip decoration on the reverse. The distinctive dotted tulip design was likely inspired by the Bell family, with whom the Eberlys closely worked. One of the finest examples of Shenandoah Valley pottery to be offered in recent years. Excellent condition with wear to rim and a few very minor base chips. H 10 1/4".
