2004 Glazed Large Redware Sgraffito Decorated Charger Steve and Denise Dunkelberger Wedding by Lester Breininger
Description: A large (~12 3/4" diameter) and heavy (~3 pounds 5 ounces) redware charger by The Breininger Pottery. The plate has round flat base with slightly rounded flared sides. The sides terminate at a slightly coggled rim. The exterior of the plate as well as the bottom are not glazed and display the typical coloring of unglazed redware pottery. The inside is glazed with a yellow colored background and displays a sgraffito design showing a man and a woman in period attire standing facing each other and holding hands. There are stylized tulip flowers on each side and three small birds under them. The charger has the following legend along the edge and surrounding the design in the center. The legend says "Steve and Denise Dunkelberger, June 26 2004." We believe this plate commemorates the wedding of Steve and Denise in June 2004. The back suggest it was a gift from Gail and Lenny with their best wishes. A nice classically designed charger with typical Pennsylvania Dutch colors. This is a beautiful folk art plate made in the studios of a master potter with the right heritage. The back of the plate is marked as to the maker and the date the piece was made. Please carefully review photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: March 15, 2004.
Origin: Robesonia, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Size: The plate is ~12 3/4" diameter and is ~1 3/4" high. The piece weighs about 3 pounds and 5 ounces.
Maker: Lester Breininger.
Marks: Marked "Best wishes from Gail & Lenny; Breininger Pottery; Robesonia PA; March 15, 2004; nice day" in cursive calligraphy on the bottom.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a very nice piece having typical Pennsylvania Dutch design and colors made in the studio of a master potter with the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Needless to say Mr. Breininger has passed away in December 2011 and pottery made in his studio has become highly desirable.
Condition: Plate is in excellent condition with no breaks, no repairs, and no chips. Careful examination of the plate with a 10X loop did not reveal any crazing to the glaze, which is rather unusual for such a piece of folk pottery. The only this we see is four short and parallel stress cracks at the edge of the plate which do not extend into the plate. We believe these are original to the making and are difficult to see. These do not compromise the integrity of the charger or its quality. This is a beautiful charger in great condition, which would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
