Very unusual large and early Rookwood vase which combines Limoges style glaze and Dull Finish along with the profile of a child, several flowers and a single, strange fish, done in 1883. The vase is divided by three diagonal bands which bear the nail head type of decoration often seen on shape 162. These bands and two horizontal bands (more nail head decoration) at different levels on the collar and rim. The rest of the vase is done with Limoges style clear glaze. In one panel is found the profile of a young person with flowers overhead. Another panel includes a single flower and the third has clouds and a very strange single fish near the shoulder. Marks include Rookwood in block letters, the date, a small impressed kiln mark, red paint acquisition numbers (36.99) from the Cincinnati Art Museum, an old, faded label with only the date 1883 visible and Y for yellow clay. Height is 22 1/8 inches. There is a 6 inch firing line on the shoulder, another small one at the base and some minor chipping in the Dull Finish area of the collar. Dare we call this Japonism and can we attribute the work to Maria Longworth Nichols? Is the use of Dull Finish and Limoges glaze something only the boss could experiment with? Impossible to know but while the jury is out, I think we should consider the hypothesis.

Crack on shoulder, minor chips