The Rebekah Pitcher is a traditional piece from the culture of Southern Appalachian pottery. It is defined by its tall, slender shape and high arching handle to accentuate its graceful curves. It is believed to have begun with the Biblical story of Rebecca at the Well in the Book of Genesis.
May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please, let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ -- let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master. Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.
Genesis 24:14-15
In many Bibles, there are illustrations to go along with this story of a woman standing at a well holding this high arching pitcher (Similar to other Greek pottery shapes). Potters saw this and started to mimic its shape, and these beautiful pieces became staples of mountain pottery.
