05/21/2026
Imported to the Northeast and Midatlantic states until the 1840s, "Gaudy Dutch" pottery was a favorite of many Pennsylvania Germans. Produced primarily from 1810 to 1840 using English soft paste porcelain, this style of pottery is characterized by a white or light cream-colored base glaze beneath various colorful motifs (often floral). Interestingly, only 16 specific patterns were painted onto the pieces, two of which are shown here: the urn pattern and the carnation pattern. Others include the oyster, single rose, carnation, war bonnet, and dove patterns.
Contrary to its name, Gaudy Dutch pottery was produced in England and took influence from the porcelain Japanese Imari ware. The name “Gaudy Dutch” apparently derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch/German communities who took an exceptional liking to the style, though the name slightly ridicules them and other Americans who bought the pieces over the more elegant, preferred porcelain pottery. The pieces could range from cups, saucers and plates to teapots and waste bowls, which could be used both daily and for special dinner occasions.
The first piece shown here is a bowl decorated with the urn pattern, dating to the mid 19th century. It features blue, light-green, yellow, and light-orange colored floral and urn motifs atop a white background. It comes originally from the Clemmer family of Franconia or Hatfield Township, Montgomery County.
The second piece pictured here is a medium-sized Gaudy Dutch bowl in the carnation pattern, decorated with light-green, orange-brown, blue, and yellow colors. The bowl was owned and used by Hannah Hunsberger Souder (1814-1898) and her husband, who were one of the founding families of what became the borough of Souderton. According to the donor (a descendant of the Souders), the bowl was used well into the 20th century by descendants at special family dinners. Though the production of Gaudy Dutch style pieces was halted decades ago, they live on today as valued antique pieces (or as special dinnerware in your home!)
