1992 Breininger Redware Flat Sided Pitcher Sgraffito George Washington and Eagle
Description: A nice sgraffito decorated patriotic redware pitcher by Lester Breininger. This flat sided pitcher has sgraffito decoration throughout. One side depicts George Washington facing left, the other side depicts an eagle with spread wings and a shield on its chest, while the front of the pitcher is decorated with three stars in a vertical arrangement. The pitcher has an almost round flat base which flares upwards with straight sides rising to a neck supporting an outwards flared collar ending in a plain rim, which has a pinched spout. The pitcher also has an applied handle starting at the top of the sides or shoulder and extending to a point in the middle of the pitcher. The pitcher has a yellow-colored background with green sponged highlights and the brown colored sgraffito designs mentioned above. The pitcher is fully glazed inside and out but not on the base, which displays the typical unglazed redware coloring. The piece is signed and dated on the base. The piece has a great look typical of Pennsylvania Dutch historical redware kitchenware but with a patriotic theme. This is a beautiful and unusual pitcher made in the studio of a master potter with the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Please carefully review photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: March 3, 1992.
Origin: Robesonia, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Size: The pitcher is ~3" by ~3" at the base, is ~5 1/2" at its widest including the spout and handle, and is ~5 1/2" high. The piece weighs slightly over one pound and 3 ounces.
Maker: Lester Breininger.
Marks: Marked "Breininger Pottery; Robesonia, PA; March 3, 1992; Cloudy" in cursive calligraphy on the bottom.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a very nice piece of patriotic and rather uncommon design redware which was made in the studios of one of Pennsylvania premier redware potters. Needless to say, Mr. Breininger has passed away in December 2011. A piece that is sure to become a valuable collector item as time goes by.
Condition: The pitcher is in excellent condition with no cracks, repairs, or hairlines. The pitcher has no apparent crazing to the glazed. The piece has some of the usual defects you would expect in primitive redware pieces like this such as pops, slubs, uneven surfaces, roughness to the surface, and spots that were not completely covered by the glaze. This piece however has very few of such issues. A great piece to add to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
