Exceptional Slip-Decorated Redware Loaf Dish, Philadelphia, PA origin, fourth quarter 18th century, rectangular form with rounded corners and cogged edge, the interior lavishly-decorated with alternating straight and wavy bands of slip-trailed yellow slip applied with an eight-quilled slip cup. Five splashes of copper-oxide are applied above the slipwork. Interior surface covered in a clear lead glaze. The profuse application of yellow slip combined with copper highlights indicates this loaf dish was produced during an exceptionally early time period predating the turn of the 19th century. While large quantities of sherds have been excavated from 18th century privies in Philadelphia bearing related motifs, relatively few products from this period have survived above ground. The size and extraordinary decorative quality of this example, one that appears to display more slip than red clay ground, defines it among the finest American redware loaf dishes to come to auction in years. Provenance: Ex-George E. Schoellkopf, New York, NY. A 3/4" in-the-firing ping to interior. Some scattered, small spots of surface exfoliation to wall of dish. A few old, shallow chips, smoothed with age, to rim and some expected rim wear. L 18 1/2" ; H 10 3/4".
