Monumental Standard glaze umbrella stand with five rather ominous snapping turtles gliding through leafy kelp, all the work of Albert Valentien in 1894. The vase shades from a mellow amber at the top to a rich blue green near the base. A heavier layer of Standard glaze is applied to the top half giving more of a feeling of depth and viscosity to the murky waters. The turtles and kelp are very nicely detailed and Valentien has imparted a sense of both wariness and inquisitiveness to the turtles as they stare back at us. Marks include the Rookwood logo, which indicates the date, shape 609, W for White clay and Mr. Valentien’s incised initials low on the side of the vase. There is faint overall crazing and some very minor glaze scratches. Height is 24 3/4 inches.

faint overall crazing