Very Rare Miniature Redware Presentation Bowl, Inscribed "Miss Jane Lewis", probably Philadelphia, PA or Alexandria, VA, 18th or 19th century, tapered bowl with semi-rounded rim molding, the interior decorated with a continuous spiraling trail of yellow slip. Additional yellow slip band to interior rim area. Interior covered in a clear lead glaze. Exterior incised in script prior to firing with the name, "Miss Jane Lewis". This name is followed by a crudely-inscribed date, either 1821, 1831, or 1881, which appears to have been carved after the piece was fired. While the actual date of manufacture is unknown, as the inscribed date is in question, this bowl's distinctive "continuous line" decoration is consistent with late 18th and early 19th century redware produced in Philadelphia, PA, as well as in Alexandria, VA by well-documented potter, Henry Piercy. Intact redware bowls bearing this decoration are noteworthy, as most examples are known from excavated sherds. This example's diminutive size and inscription are unusual, and suggest it was made as a gift for a young girl. Very nice condition with a shallow 3/4" rim chip, a minor in-the-firing ping to rim, and other expected minor rim wear. H 1 1/4" ; Diameter 3 5/8".
