Dog

The Bell family produced four generations of influential potters during the nineteenth century. They established extensive operations in both Pennsylvania and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  Sculptural glazed redware animal figures, often portrayed in whimsical stances, were likely produced by a number of traditional folk potters in the region.  Although few are signed, a group of these figures, including this dog, exhibit characteristics in their fabrication and decoration, or have associated histories, that connect them to the Bell pottery. 

Most of these animal figures are hollow, consisting of thick-walled, hand-formed clay with clay additions for appendages.  Details of fur, paws or other surface elements are drawn in the wet clay and modeled using a thin, stick-like implement.  The base of the figure was cut from a sheet of clay and stamped with floral or oval patterns.  Once the pieces were joined together, they were dried before they were glazed and fired.

Glazed earthenware whistles, banks, or rattles were originally intended as toys or “whimsies” for children.  Other animal figures were made simply as decorative sculptural objects for display and enjoyment on their own.  A number of potteries throughout Pennsylvania produced such pieces which can sometimes be attributable to specific makers by the coloration and decorative treatment of the glazes or by distinctive molded shapes and free-hand applied ornament.