Marginal inscriptions in English and German decorate many of the old plates, from which may be learned many interesting facts concerning the life and habits of the early settlers.

I think, judging from the inscriptions I have seen on some old plates, it must have taxed the ingenuity of the old German potters to think up odd, original inscriptions for their plates." "Aunt Sarah, how was sgraffito ware made?
Is it the same as slip-decorated pottery ?" "No, my dear, the two are quite different.

The large plate you so greatly admired is called sgraffito or scratched work, sometimes called slip engraving.

It usually consists of dark designs on a cream-colored ground.

After the plates had been shaped over the mold by the potter, the upper surface was covered by a coating of white slip, and designs were cut through this slip to show the earthenware underneath.