Beschreibung:

Manufacturer: Rookwood Artist: William McDonald Description: Rare and important Mahogany (Standard glaze on red clay body) trial piece painted and incised by William McDonald in 1898. Decoration consists of painted and incised stylized lotus blossoms and leaves which are enhanced by some of the nicest Tiger Eye effect we have seen. One of several examples made by McDonald in 1898 which are listed in S.G. Burt’s book, 2,292 Pieces of Rookwood Pottery in the Cincinnati Art Museum in 1916, this piece is number 57 on page 128 and is described by Burt as, “...Maho.(gany) one of a series of T.E. trial this #6 very fine T.E.”. Some of these trial Tiger Eye vases were donated to the Cincinnati Art Museum and are periodically on display. Marks include the Rookwood logo, date, shape number S 1363, the notation “6 T” and the incised monogram of Mr. McDonald. There is faint crazing. Height is 8 1/4 inches. It seems possible that Rookwood had finally discovered the secrets of making Tiger Eye by 1898. This vase is an interesting example having wonderful glaze which enhances but does not obscure the stylish Arts & Crafts floral decoration. A quick check of Burt’s book shows a number of trial pieces using Standard glaze over red clay (Rookwood’s formula for Mahogany) by McDonald and others. By 1898, red clay was seldom used, adding to the theory that Tiger Eye was being reprised in anticipation of international expositions. There is a label inside the vase which reads “Rookwood Pottery and the Arts and Crafts Movement 1880-1915 October 16, 1987 - January 31, 1988 Milwaukee Art Museum”. Fantastic example of Tiger Eye.