Exceedingly Rare and Important Slip-Decorated Redware Loaf Dish, Inscribed "United / States," Norwalk, CT origin, circa 1825-1850, of rectangular form with rounded corners and coggled edge, the lead-glazed interior decorated with the yellow slip inscription, "United / States," with looping, spotted flourish. Only the second example of Norwalk slipware that we have seen featuring the words, United States, this boldly-inscribed work is among the finest examples of regional ware to come to auction in the past decade or more. Its rare inscription, emblematic of the decorator’s love of country, is complemented by thick, broad application of the slip over the dish’s surface. Literature: Illustrated in Miller, "Norwalk (Connecticut) Slip-script Pottery, the Potters, and Related Ware," Ceramics in America 2016, fig. 41. Provenance: Nancy and Gary Stass Collection; acquired by the above from Gary Cole, New York, NY in the 1970s. Rim chips. Interior in good condition with some flakes and knife marks as well as a very faint line extending from "n" in "United" to flourish below. Some surface-level exfoliation to area on reverse. L 12 1/2".
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