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Extremely Rare Moravian Redware Mug with Whieldon Glaze, attributed to Rudolph Christ, Bethabara, NC, circa 1786-1789, delicately-potted, thin-walled mug with applied handle featuring an upswept lower terminal, the surface dipped in cream-colored slip, decorated around the body with alternating columns of sponged manganese and copper, and covered in a clear lead glaze. Additional copper and manganese decoration is applied to the handle. Both the glaze and form, including the distinctive handle construction, are based in the tortoiseshell ware of English potter, Thomas Whieldon (1719-1795). This recently-surfaced work is the only intact example of this specific form and style that we have seen. Two fragmented and reassembled mugs of closely-related form, glaze, and handle construction, were excavated at Bethabara Pottery, made during Rudolph Christ's tenure as master potter, circa 1786-1789. One is owned by Old Salem Museum and Gardens, the other by Historic Bethabara Park. An intact cylindrical mug of broader form, slightly different handle, and different patterning to the copper and manganese, attributed to Salem or Bethabara Potteries circa 1780-1830, resides in the collection of Old Salem Museum and Gardens. A significant discovery in Moravian tableware. The remarkably thin potting and delicacy of this piece may help explain why examples of this form simply did not survive. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Southeastern U.S. Small glaze flakes to rim. Three glaze flakes to base, one large, one small, one minor. A small glaze flake to interior base. H 3 3/8".
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