Exceedingly Rare and Important Slip-Decorated Redware Loaf Dish with Elaborate Biblical Inscription, Norwalk, CT origin, mid 19th century, with coggled edge, draped-molded platter of rectangular form with rounded edges, the interior profusely decorated with the slip-trailed script inscription "Blessed are the Poor in spi/ rit for thars is the kingdom of / heven". These words are the first of eight Beatitudes spoken by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapter 5 of the Bible's New Testament. In our research, we can find no other example of Norwalk redware with a longer slip inscription. The distinctive handwriting style with pointed "t's" and other specific characteristics reveal that it was probably decorated by master calligrapher, Henry Chichester, who was responsible for the majority of the finer Norwalk inscriptions known. This recently-discovered example is an important addition to the large body of slip-inscribed work known from Norwalk, CT, and is possibly the most profusely-decorated example known from this popular school of early dishware. Provenance: Recently found in Kentucky, this loaf dish was purchased by the consignor's wife in the 1930s or 1940s. Literature: For more information on Norwalk, CT redware and the decorator, Henry Chichester, see Andrew and Kate Winton, Norwalk Potteries, Phoenix Publishing, Canaan, CT, 1981. Glazed interior surface and slip survive in strong condition with some light wear to edges of slip. 1" chip to bottom edge, primarily visible on reverse. A few other minor chips to corners, visible on reverse. L 13 1/4" ; W 10 1/2".
