Plate c. 1830 - 1867

This redware plate with slip decoration was made by George Wolfkiel, an itinerant potter who worked in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Though seemingly humble, this plate reflects the social and economic dynamics of its time. Redware pottery was a common household item in rural America, prized for its functionality and affordability. The decoration on this plate, while simple, speaks to the traditions and values of the Pennsylvania German community, from which Wolfkiel hailed. The use of slip decoration and the motifs employed reflect a connection to folk art traditions, as well as a sense of cultural identity. Understanding folk art traditions like these requires a deep dive into local archives, historical societies, and genealogical records. In doing so, we begin to reveal the ways in which ordinary objects, like this plate, can serve as important historical documents, reflecting the lives, beliefs, and social structures of the people who created and used them.