Description:  This is a 1995 redware figurine glazed with nice details throughout. The piece is in the shape of an elephant standing on all four with a yellow and dark blue blanket having some green on his back. The elephant is standing in a grassy spot with the grass blades all around his legs. The elephant has his trunk curved under his head. The elephant is brown in color with dark brown or black highlights. The piece has very nice details and is very well done. The details include the ears, the trunk, the eyes, and the tail. The piece is glazed throughout with the bottom of the base being unglazed and shows the date and the fact that the piece was made at the Breininger Pottery in Pennsylvania. The coloring of the piece is very much in line with the Pennsylvania Dutch coloring tradition of folk art redware. This is typical of toys used by children in days gone by (1700s and 1800s) in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The figurine is of a nice size measuring ~4" long, ~1 1/2" at its widest, ~2 3/4" high, and weighs about 12 ounces. This beautiful glazed redware figurine was made at the Breininger pottery. This beautiful piece was made as toy or a decorative accent. Please see photo to appreciate the beautiful design and colors. The bottom of the piece is marked as to the maker and the date the piece was made. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date:  1995.

Origin:  Robesonia, Berks County Pennsylvania.

Size:  The piece measures ~4" long, ~1 1/2" at its widest, ~2 3/4" high, and weighs about 12 ounces.  

Maker:  Lester Breininger

Marks:  Marked "Breininger Pottery, PA, 1995 Ps" incised on the bottom of the base.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece:  This is a very nice Breininger piece with a typical Pennsylvania Dutch shape and look made at the studios of a master potter with the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Needless to say, Mr. Breininger has passed away in December 2011 and pottery made in his studio has become highly desirable.  

Condition:  The figurine is in very good condition with no cracks, no repairs, no chips. and no hairlines. The piece has general crazing to the glaze. The piece has some of the normal defects you would expect in a piece of primitive pottery of this type such as spots where the glaze did not fully flow, pops, slubs, and surface roughness. The piece also has a yellow spot on the elephant's left hind leg (see the 4th photo) which we believe is a pot of yellow color that inadvertently was put there during the making of the piece. It is original to the making of the piece and is mentioned here for completeness. A nice, well made, solid, and intact piece which would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.