1990 Breininger Glazed Redware Figurine Bear Standing w/ Fruit Basket in Mouth
Description: This is a 1990 redware large (~7.5" tall) and heavy (almost ~3 pounds) figurine glazed with incised throughout. The piece is in the shape of a bear standing on his hind legs with his front legs supporting a basket with its handle in the bear's mouth. The basket appears to be full of fruit. The near is looking forward with his ears up. The bear is brown in color with dark brown or black highlights. The basket is yellow in color with brown and green highlights. The bear has a short tail which appears as a lump in the back near the base. The bear has two ears, a large snout with two nostrils, eyes and defined toes. The bear's body is has incised lines throughout to simulate fur. The bear is standing on a flat base also colored in brown with dark highlights. The bottom of the base is signed and dated by the artist. The coloring of the piece is very much in line with the Pennsylvania Dutch coloring tradition of folk art redware. This is typical of toys used by children in days gone by (1700s and 1800s) in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This beautiful glazed redware figurine was made at the Breininger pottery. This beautiful piece was made as toy or a decorative accent. Please see photo to appreciate the beautiful design and colors. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1990.
Origin: Robesonia, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Size: The piece measures ~7 1/2" high with the base measuring ~5 1/4" by ~4 1/4", and the piece weighs about 2 pounds and 15 ounces.
Maker: Lester Breininger.
Marks: Marked "BREININGER POTTERY; ROBESONIA, PA; JAN 1990" incised on the bottom of the base.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a very nice piece with a typical Pennsylvania Dutch shape and look, made at the studios 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: The figurine is in very good condition with no cracks, no repairs, no chips, no hairlines, and no repairs. The piece has crazing to the glaze, which is a bit hard to see but is there. The piece has no glaze losses and its colors a fresh and vivid. The piece has some of the normal defects you would expect in a piece of primitive pottery of this type such as spots where the glaze did not fully flow, pops, slubs, and surface roughness. This particular piece has a minimum of such issues. A solid and intact piece which would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
