Vintage Decorative Unglazed Redware Wall Plaque or Mold Embossed Distelfink Design By Ned Foltz?
Description: Beautiful and unusual unglazed redware wall plaque or mold having embossed design depicting a distelfink bird standing. The piece which is made of redware has blackened areas throughout with the remainder retaining the color of unglazed redware. The piece which is flat and thick has a hole on top to hang from. The piece has the name Foltz written lightly on the back with pen suggesting it was either made by Ned Foltz or used by him. It has been suggested that this piece is sort of the potter's end of the day work or in other words after the potter has worked all day making pieces with purpose he used the left over redware to make something whimsical. It could also be a miss fired piece that was not good enough to glaze or a piece used to imprint this design on other pieces. Be that as it may, it is a beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch design in a very unusual piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional Information: A distelfink is a stylized goldfinch, which is very common in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. The distelfink represents happiness and good fortune to the Pennsylvania Germans.
Date: Uncertain but most likely mid to late 20th century but possibly earlier.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~7 1/2" long, ~3" at its widest and is ~3/4" thick. The piece weighs almost 10 ounces.
Maker: Uncertain but could be Ned Foltz.
Marks: The word "Foltz" in light ink written on the back.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a beautiful and very unusual decorative piece of redware. It would display very well in your collection of redware.
Condition: The piece is in good condition with no breaks, repairs, hairlines, or major chips. The piece has a few small surface chips along some of the ridges of the design. Other than that the piece has a few spots where the black coloring is lost and you can see the red coloring of the pottery. Be that as it may, these issues do not to distract from the beauty and quality of the piece. Please view the photos for additional condition information.
