Redware pottery, with its distinctive reddish hue, represents a significant chapter in the history of ceramics, particularly in early America. It is a type of earthenware characterized by its porous nature and the presence of iron oxide in the clay, which imparts its signature color. This article explores the origins, production techniques, historical uses, and lasting influence of redware, shedding light on its importance in understanding past lifeways and the evolution of ceramic arts.
Historical Context and Origins
The story of redware begins with its basic composition: earthenware clay, rich in iron and other minerals. This type of clay, readily available in many regions, made redware an accessible and practical choice for early potters. In a European context, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, “redware” often referred to unglazed stoneware used for serving or drinking. These vessels, including teapots, jugs, and mugs, were carefully crafted and relatively expensive, predating the widespread availability of porcelain. The style was influenced by Chinese Yixing clay teapots, which arrived in Europe through trade routes, inspiring local artisans to replicate and adapt the designs.
In North America, redware took on a more utilitarian role, becoming the basic pottery for everyday use during the Colonial period. Colonists relied on redware for essential household items such as milk pitchers, bowls, jars, jugs, plates, and crocks. While stoneware was sometimes used for larger, more durable vessels, redware was the workhorse of the ceramic world, meeting the daily needs of rural communities. The Pennsylvania Dutch, German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey, played a significant role in the production and popularization of redware in America. They brought their pottery skills and traditions from the Old World, establishing potteries that produced both functional and decorative redware ceramics. The heyday of redware production in America was between 1770 and 1840, with techniques and designs passed down through generations. You can find more about this and other types of pottery in Pottery: A Cultural Identity Preserved.
Production Techniques and Characteristics
Redware’s characteristic reddish color comes from the iron oxide present in the earthenware clay. The clay, often sourced locally, is typically low to moderate in plasticity and shrinkage. Redart, a well-known red-firing earthenware, can range in color from light orange to dark red depending on the firing temperature. The firing process is crucial in determining the final properties of the redware. Earthenware clay performs well at low temperatures, typically between 1,700°F to 2,100°F (900°C and 1,150°C), corresponding to Cone 04-06. While Cone 04 is the average firing temperature for earthenware, it can be fired anywhere from Cone 015 up to Cone 1.
Firing redware at different temperatures affects its strength and color. For example, Redart fires stronger and denser at Cone 04 than at Cone 06, achieving its best balance of color and strength at Cone 02. At Cone 1, it can even develop deep red color and stoneware-like properties. Due to its higher impurity levels, including iron and other minerals, earthenware clay matures at lower temperatures compared to stoneware or porcelain. This lower firing temperature made earthenware the first type of clay used for pottery in early kilns. The finished redware pieces were often glazed to make them watertight and more durable. The glazes, typically yellowish in tone, sometimes featured bold folk art designs, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the pottery.
Decorative Techniques and Notable Examples
Redware pottery was often decorated using a variety of techniques, reflecting the cultural influences and artistic preferences of the potters. One common method was sgraffito, where the potter would scratch designs into a layer of slip (a liquid clay mixture) to reveal the red clay underneath. This technique, introduced by the Pennsylvania Germans, allowed for intricate and detailed patterns. Slipware, another popular decorative technique, involved applying slip in various colors and patterns to the surface of the pottery. Slip-trailing, a type of slipware decoration, used white slip to create simple geometric designs such as bands, stripes, loops, and lobes. This style was often referred to as “Philadelphia style,” although it was produced in many centers throughout Eastern North America. You can try this style yourself, using our guide to Unlocking Pottery Magic: A Guide to Slip-Trailing.
Many museums and collections showcase notable examples of redware pottery, offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of early potters. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has several redware pieces in its collection, including a slip-decorated dish attributed to the Dennis Family Potters. The Bidwell House Museum features redware pieces from the Hargis and Brush Collection, including a jug made by John Corliss, Jr., and a stew pot made by John M. Safford. The Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, hosted an exhibit titled “Thrown, Fired and Glazed: The Redware Tradition From Pennsylvania and Beyond,” which included sgraffito plates, flowerpots, jars, and a Colonial tea canister. Other institutions, such as Winterthur, the Barnes Foundation, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Mercer Museum, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania, also contributed to the exhibit.
Redware’s Legacy and Influence
The legacy of redware extends beyond its historical significance, influencing contemporary ceramic artists and practices. While the provided information does not directly address contemporary artists inspired by redware, the techniques and aesthetics of redware continue to resonate in the ceramic arts community. The simple, honest forms and the rich, earthy colors of redware offer a timeless appeal, inspiring modern potters to explore traditional methods and create contemporary interpretations of this classic pottery style. The enduring appeal of redware lies in its connection to the past, its embodiment of folk art traditions, and its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. As Kevin McConnell notes in his book “Redware, America’s Folk Art Pottery,” these fragile pieces of pottery provide an integral link to the past, telling us about the life and times of the early American settlers.
In conclusion, redware pottery stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of early potters, offering valuable insights into the daily lives and cultural traditions of past generations. Its historical context, production techniques, decorative styles, and enduring legacy make it a significant and fascinating subject in the world of ceramics.
