Rookwood Pottery was among the earliest and most influential art potteries in the United States operating as a factory with a clear division of labor. One of its popular lines of pottery featured a crystal clear, high-gloss glaze called the Iris glaze. The museum’s vase is an example of this line and depicts an orchid, a favorite flower often featured on Rookwood. Albert Valentien, one of the finest decorators at the pottery, joined Rookwood in 1881 as the first full-time artist and supervisor of the decorating staff.
Signed n bottom: Rookwood mark / "II" / "907B" / "A.R. Valentien"
Sydney and Frances Lewis Art Nouveau Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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