William Hoffman
The Stoneware Kiln of Charles F. Decker in Washington County, Virginia

Ceramics in America 2005

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Contents
  • Figure 1
    Figure 1

    View of the exposed remains of the floor of the Charles F. Decker kiln excavated in 2004. The circular updraft kiln has an approximate diameter of fifteen feet from the center to the exterior wall and is bisected by a flue channel. An iron door, used to seal a firebox or draft hole, is visible in the foreground. (Photos, William Hoffman.)

  • Figure 2
    Figure 2

    Jar or crock, Charles F. Decker, Washington County, Virginia, ca. 1869–1873. Biscuit stoneware. Scale is in centimeters. This fragment, hand-painted with cobalt, may depict a partial signature or date.

  • Figure 3
    Figure 3

    Sherds, Charles F. Decker, Washington County, Virginia, ca. 1869– 1873. Salt-glazed stoneware. Scale is in centimeters. Example of a vessel interior coated with a dull brown, iron-based slip.