"Lieben und Geliebt zu werden Ist die Gröst Freud auf Erden” Translation is "To love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth".  Original design, inspired by the work of Pennsylvania German potters, and handmade in a mid-1700s Pennsylvania stone house .  

Signed and dated May 1, 2023, "sunny".
10" diameter, 1 1/2" deep. Gift boxed.

Each plate begins with red earthenware clay rolled flat with a rolling pin and cut to fit the mold.  Then the clay is laid into the mold (slump molded) to shape it.  When it is just dry enough to handle without losing its shape liquid white clay (slip) is applied to the surface with a brush.  The design is scratched into the slip revealing the red clay beneath – the sgraffito technique.   Using an electric kiln the piece is bisque fired, and then glaze is applied and fired again.  The completed piece will have the overall yellowish coloring of antique redware plates on the front; the back is not glazed following the traditions of the early Pennsylvania potters.