Exceedingly Rare and Important Redware Heart-Shaped Inkstand, Stamped "Adam Ownhouse," Pennsylvania origin, circa 1840, slab-constructed stand in the shape of a heart, the walls elaborately-decorated with a heart-shaped foliate design in green, cream, brown, and yellow slip. Additional copper swags and dashes on the top surface, and numerous copper dashes along the base of the heart. Manganese dashes where the two lobes of the heart meet. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. Impressed on top surface "Adam Ownhouse." According to census research, Ownhouse was born in Bavaria circa 1810, and likely emigrated to the U.S. during the 1830's. He was active as a potter in Pennsylvania during the 1840's, as evidenced by a son, William, born there in 1841. By 1850, Ownhouse had traveled westward to establish a long-standing pottery in Iowa. This inkstand must certainly be one of the most important recent discoveries in American redware. The exceptional form and decoration place it among some of the very best slip-decorated pieces from the state of Pennsylvania. Provenance: Recently found in York County, Pennsylvania. Glaze wear to point of heart. A few small glaze flakes to surface and minor wear to edges. Missing well and sander. H 2 1/4" ; Length 5" ; Width 4".
