JOSEPH LONG LEHN (1798-1892), ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Born in 1789, Joseph Long Lehn produced a sizeable group of turned and painted woodenware which now is collectively referred to as "Lehnware." After unsuccessful attempts at farming, he transformed his hobby of woodworking into a successful vocation in a shop behind his house in Hammer Creek Valley, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County. He sold his wares in large numbers to local merchants for re-sale and was prolific until 1886 when he became blind. However, he resumed his work about two years later after regaining his sight, and worked until his death in 1892. The present lot exhibits his signature colors and decorations. It is thought he produced cups later in his career, likely starting in 1876. For further information on Lehnware see Donald M. Herr, “Joseph Lehn and Lehnware: Nineteenth Century Woodworker in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage (April 2001).