Barber Basin, 1791
THF191115 / Barber Basin, 1791
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Artifact Overview
This barber basin is an important early example of Pennsylvania German pottery. It features techniques common to the Pennsylvania German style, including sgraffito (a term used to describe incised decoration) and the use of colorful red slip.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Shaving basin
Date Made
1791
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Attributed to David Spinner of Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
60.140.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Earthenware
Slip (Clay)
Glaze
Color
Red
Yellow (Color)
Green
Dimensions
Diameter: 7.625 in
Height: 2.75 in
Inscriptions
around rim [in German script, translated]:
By everything in the world I know not why my beard has grown so thin
[Ich weiss nit in der Welt mein bart der ist gar eingestelt 1791]
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Related Content
SetPennsylvania German Aesthetics
- 12 Artifacts
The Pennsylvania Germans, popularly known as the Pennsylvania "Dutch," were a vibrant immigrant community active in southeastern Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Henry Ford has a rich collection of objects that show the Pennsylvania Germans' flamboyant, whimsical, playful, and highly imaginative artistic style. These pieces are a few of the highlights.