Lidded Redware Jar with Manganese Decoration, attributed to the Vickers Family, Chester County, PA, early 19th century, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled banding, and ribbed handles with depressed terminals, brush-decorated with haphazard manganese slashes under a clear lead glaze. Includes original domed lid with matching decoration. Underside of jar and lid each incised "882." The form of this jar is distinctive to the Vickers family of potters, active circa 1790 to 1860. The Quaker potters, Thomas Vickers (1757-1829) and his son/partner, John (1780-1860), were heavily involved in the abolition movement, both serving as members of the Uwchlan Anti-Slavery Society and active in the Underground Railroad. Thomas was an original member (along with Benjamin Franklin) of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, founded in Philadelphia in 1777 as the first anti-slavery society in America. Arthur James, in his book, The Potters and Potteries of Chester County, Pennsylvania notes, "Not infrequently escaped slaves were concealed in the hay among the pottery in [local potters'] wagon[s]" (James, p. 15). Jar with a few minor colored and reglazed nicks to one handle and two minor colored and reglazed nicks to opposing handle. Wear to rim, some of which has been colored and reglazed. Lid with restored finial, two colored and glazed flakes to top, and minor colored and glazed edge chips. Other very minor wear. H (including lid) 9 1/2".
