Auction Features

Lot No. 1367

Rookwood

Large Rookwood Black Opal vase with three identical interlocking flowers done in blue, red, yellow, black and green against a maroon ground, the work of Sara Sax in 1925. All the leaves and petals are outlined by incising, presumably to keep the disparate colors from mingling. Around the foot of the vase is a ring of darts and arches, also incised before coloring. Marks include the company logo, the date, shape number 2273 and the impressed monogram of Ms. Sax. Also on the bottom of the vase is most of an original Rookwood paper label with the name “Black Opal” printed in black ink along with the price of $75. This vase and 10 others were purchased from Rookwood here in Cincinnati in 1942 by the father of the consignor. He told his children that he had been taken to the Museum vault at Rookwood and shown some of the older, prized pieces therein and allowed to take his pick. It had only been a year since Rookwood was sold at bankruptcy court and the new owners were liquidating pottery to recoup some of their money. A sale at B. Altman in New York was bracketed by two sales here in Cincinnati, one of which produced this piece and its nine companions. Original price for the 10 was $510 but that figure was discounted to $170 plus tax. I would love to have been there for the sale and the discounts. Height of the vase is 18 inches. Excellent original condition with faint overall crazing.