Extremely Rare Octagonal Redware Dish with Profuse Two-Color Slip Decoration, PA origin, probably Berks County, 19th century, drape-molded octagonal dish with coggled edge, the lead-glazed interior lavishly-decorated with crossing copper slip lines forming eight triangular panels, decorated with alternating patterns of copper- and cream-colored slip foliate motifs and profuse cream-colored slip striping. A bold, kaleidoscopic image is created by the mix of the contrasting slip designs over the vessel's multi-sided form. The underside of the dish is incised with the number, "6." Outside of a commonly-produced form by the Bell family, octagonal dishes are extremely rare in 19th century American redware production. Besides a number of these Bell examples, we have previously offered only one octagonal redware dish in over twenty years in operation, a miniature yellow-slip-decorated example sold as lot 262 in our Summer 2021 auction. A significant example of Pennsylvania slipware, the work offered in our Fall 2025 auction is made extraordinary through its combination of an elusive form, over-the-top decoration, and immaculate condition. Among the finest American redware dishes to come to auction in recent years. Excellent condition with minor edge wear, the glazed interior surviving in remarkable untouched condition. Diam. 9 3/4".
