Pa. German Dish c. 1937

Curator: This is a drawing of a Pennsylvania German dish, dating from around 1937. Frances Lichten is credited as the artist, and she employs watercolors and colored pencils on what appears to be ceramic. Editor: It feels like a warm invitation! Muted oranges and greens create this comforting, slightly faded aesthetic—conjuring memories of folk tales spun by a fireplace. Did these dishes actually see use? Curator: Absolutely. These weren't just decorative; they were functional pieces made and used primarily within the Pennsylvania German community. The materials speak to a direct link with the earth—the clay itself a product of the local landscape, decorated with earthy pigments. It blurs the boundaries of "art" because of that utilitarian purpose, challenging a hierarchy between function and aesthetics. Editor: I like the idea of something both beautiful and practical in daily use. Do you think it provided joy beyond mere utility? I imagine holding this plate, knowing the potter, the artist—that imbues a sense of community and legacy. The twin birds are also striking, aren’t they, reflecting each other as if captured mid-song. They feel almost heraldic. Curator: It’s definitely tapping into the decorative arts. I find it very relevant in a pre-industrial society. When factory-made products came along and eroded those traditions, there was a sense of loss felt by those artisans and consumers. Editor: Now I want to delve even deeper into what was etched here and savor stories linked to the craft and maybe get my own dish to create that feeling from yesteryear. Curator: It certainly encourages us to reconsider the inherent artistry of everyday items.