Exceedingly Rare and Important Western PA Redware Inkstand with Applied Dog, Incised "Henry Grady / 1843," Shanksville, Somerset Co., PA, the hand-built form with rounded sides and scalloped back, having a scored edge and walls embellished with eliptical pierced work. Inkstand connected to a pen tray by twisted clay handles, the entire front of which is embellished with pierced work. Top of stand ornamented with a hand-modeled figure of a standing dog with applied clay coleslaw coat and upturned tail. Original wheel-thrown inkwell and sander fit into stand. Stand rests on four hand-modeled feet with carved toes, designed to resemble lion's paws. Surface covered in a lead and manganese glaze. Underside incised "Henry / Grady / 1843," referring to the Prussian immigrant potter, active in Shanksville, PA, during the mid to late 19th century. A highly decorative example of Pennsylvania folk art. Losses to tail and ears of dog. Inkstand is in otherwise mint condition. Wear and a few small chips to edge of sander. Chips to edge of inkwell. H (to top of dog) 4 1/4" ; Length 6 1/4".