Modernist Monumental Zig Zag Weed Vase

Bertil's work is often haunting, but this bottle vase is ready for display or perhaps for the most adventurous as a container for your personal witch's brew. A entire layer of end of day type scattered glass has been cameo acid cut back to reveal a frosted midnight blue glass underlayer. But, just look at these birds. Ravens, crows... certainly birds of the night. A taller neck than I have seen before and the slight slumping and bubbled inclusions reinforce the visual message that this is both art and handicraft. The fortuitous bold coloration of the birds makes the pattern boldly assert. Marked Kosta Boda Atelier 92 and B Vallien...

Rookwood pottery was established based upon Arts and Crafts ideals positing the celebration and elevation of pottery as an art form. Both professional and amateur decorators and potters were instrumental in the success of what became an art industry and the nations first Internationally recognized art pottery. It is marked 1885, 61 and W. Rookwood's font, Form # 61 and the use of W to indicate white clay are well known to Rookwood collectors and have been identified in most publications concerning the pottery dating back to Peck's books. Sometimes we just can't figure out who decorated them. Many of the decorators were married society ladies and some used their spouse's initials or names on pots. I have been unable to identify what appears to be M AED in under-glaze initials. Nor does the pencil notation which appears M.E. Foster (or Foote) turn up in my review of the literature, including The Ladies God Bless 'em. The quality of the decoration is high and represents the interest in Japonisme and Aesthetic Movement art. The four cobalt lined vertical panels recall vertical Japanese woodblock prints and the gold tracery and rim is surprisingly present with only modest wear to the high points and minor bleed through of the under-glaze around the lip. (shown). It is important to note that unless or until the decorator is identified, it is impossible to assert that the decoration is by a Rookwood artist. Many amateur ladies and gentlemen, particularly members of the Cincinnati Pottery...

Clyde Burt speckled gourd-form weed vase in blush ombre glazed stoneware. Signed to underside: [CB].

Modernist Japanese Weed Pot, 1970s.