1888 Monumental Rookwood Vase With Tiger Eye Glaze by Matthew Daly

Description

A late 19th century American art pottery vase with a shimmering "Tiger Eye" glaze from Rookwood Pottery of Cincinnati, Ohio. … more A late 19th century American art pottery vase with a shimmering "Tiger Eye" glaze from Rookwood Pottery of Cincinnati, Ohio. The monumental vase is 20.5 inches in height, decorated and signed by Matthew Andrew Daly (1860-1937), and date marked for 1888. This sculptural red clay vessel is enveloped in a rich mahogany high-gloss ground accented with shimmering flecks of gold. The vase is further accented with carved branches bearing curling oak leaves and acorns in low relief. Although the vase was created in the 1880s, the rich and warm autumnal palette would perfectly compliment any Art & Crafts interior.

This vase is a a rarity for several reasons; Rookwood's Tiger Eye glaze—characterized by shimmering golden flecks—was produced for a very limited time (from 1885 though 1900) and only decorated by the pottery's top artists. These pieces were typically much smaller than this example.

Fully marked on the base with Rookwood's RP logo with two flame marks for 1888, Matthew Andrew Daly's "MAD" artist cipher over /DY, "483" (shape number), "A" (representing the largest shape produced for this model), and an additional R (signifying red clay). Very good condition with scattered scuffs and light scratches, measuring 20.5 in. height x 11 in diameter (at widest) x 6 in. (at rim).

Maria Longworth Nichols (1849-1932) founded Rookwood Pottery in 1880 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rookwood quickly became America's pre-eminent art pottery, winning a number of prestigious awards including a gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889.

Matthew Andrew Daly (1860-1937) was born in Cincinnati and joined Rookwood Pottery in 1882. He became a top decorator before leaving the company in 1903 to head the art department at the U.S. Playing Card Company. less