Description: A beautiful and very unusual small (~6 3/4" diameter) dish having raised scalloped edge by Gerald Yoder of Oley Valley. The dish which has a very unusual raised wavy rim has a wide brown edge with a light brown or yellowish center having a beautiful design within it. The design depicts a blue colored distelfink, the imaginary bird that represent happiness and good fortune for the Pennsylvania Germans, surrounded by tulips. The bird and flowers are very much basic Pennsylvania Dutch symbols and are very common in their art. The piece is beautifully colored in blue, brown, yellow, and green. The design which is on a yellow background is surrounded by a band consisting of arches between the circular central design and the raised brown scalloped rim. This small plate is glazed on top but is unglazed on the back. The back is signed and dated by the artist. This is a rare dish from the Oley Valley pottery made by one of the best potters with the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Please carefully review photos as they are part and parcel of our description. Date: October 26, 1984. Origin: Oley Valley, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Size: The dish measures ~6 3/4" diameter at the top and is ~4 3/4" in diameter at the base with the edge being ~1 1/8" high. The piece weighs almost 10 ounces. Maker: Gerald H. Yoder. Marks: In cursive calligraphy marked on the bottom as follows; "Thank you for being you" followed by a tulip flanked by two curved lines then the words "Gerald H. Yoder; Oley Valley; October 26, 1984". Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a top quality folk art piece of redware that is made by one of the best folk artists in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It has a beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch theme represented by the distelfink and the tulips. Just a great piece deserving a prominent spot in your redware collection. Condition: The dish is in very good condition with no cracks, repairs, chips, or hairlines. The piece has general crazing to the glaze and the back has residue from label that was removed in the past. Other than that, the piece is in absolutely very good condition, is solid with uncompromised integrity, and is just gorgeous. An excellent piece of Pennsylvania German folk art worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos to appreciate its beauty and for additional condition information.
