Lancaster County Redware Pottery

Redware pottery is the oldest form of pottery made by the early German settlers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The redware tradition in Lancaster County has continued to the present day. In 1962 we started to experiment with local red clays. Today our pottery has grown into one of the most popular folk potteries in the United States. From three generations of craftsmen, we have revived many old forms and techniques, among them are sgrafitto and slipware, both early forms of decorating redware.

All our pottery is made in an 1840 stone building, formerly a one-room school. Additions to the old building include a kiln and clay mixing building with a handmade red clay tile roof.

Our main objective is to continue to hand make and hand sign each piece of pottery and keep the quality as high as possible. All of our pottery can be used safely with food and all our glazes are lead-free.

We hope you enjoy the pottery as much as we enjoy making it.

About Our Redware Pottery

All Foltz pottery is made using 200-year-old PA German traditional methods except for the glaze, which is lead-free and can be used with food.Redware pottery cannot withstand drastic changes in temperature.Pie plates can be used for baking. When baking or serving food we always wet the back of the pottery. This warms the pottery and makes it less susceptible to temperature changes.The pottery will withstand dishwasher use. The back of the pottery must be air dried for several hours before stacking. Platters and plates should be at room temperature or warmed slightly before using to serve very hot food.The pitchers, bowls, and mugs are glazed inside, but the bottoms will draw moisture. Therefore, if using for storage of liquids over a long period of time, it is advisable to put a plate underneath them to protect your furniture.