American Art Deco

Roockwood Art Pottery

A Pair of Candle Holders

Greek Caryatides Carrying Amphora

Blue Glazed Ceramic

ca. 1920

DIMENSIONS         Height: 11.25 inches        Width: 3.75 inches        Depth: 4.75 inches 

MARKINGS            Each candle holder is fully marked on the bottom, including dating (ca. 1920) and model number (2304). 

ROOCKWOOD POTTERY

Roockwood is the synonym of the American Art Pottery. Founded on Thanksgiving Day in 1880 by Maria Longworth Storer, Rookwood made history – the first large manufacturing enterprise founded and owned by a woman in the United States and launching the art pottery movement in America. Within a decade, Rookwood pottery gained international acclaim, rivaling European and Asian firms that had been in existence for hundreds or thousands of years. 

Maria Longworth Nicholas, was the daughter of a wealthy art collector, she was inspired by Japanese pottery. When she discussed her desire to create fine pottery with her father, he provided the means and environment that allowed her to pursue her creative passions. And although it may have started as a hobby, the talented Maria quickly managed to establish Rookwood pottery as a quality producer of fine ceramic art potter. 

She setup the Rookwood company, hired artists like Japanese artist Kataro Shirayamadani who came to work for the company in 1887, and talented art students and encouraged them to use their creativity to experiment and create unique pottery pieces. Almost every piece designed by these artists sold for hundreds of dollars, and today they are regarded as highly collectible. A Rookwood piece by Japanese artist Kataro Shirayamadani sold for $198,000 in 1991. He was a Rookwood artist from 1887 until 1948.

The Rookwood airbrush, called the mouth atomizer, was developed by Rookwood to apply glazes in an innovative way. The technique helped the company develop its own individual look. The atomizer helped add the beautiful layers of color Rookwood is known for, and the technique is still used at the Rookwood pottery today. 

More well-known pottery manufacturers and recognized artists doubted this female led company would have what it takes to succeed, but much to their surprise Rookwood turned out to be one of the best. By combining extraordinary attention to detail and innovative design Maria Longworth Nicholas made Rookwood the standard for ceramic pottery manufacturers to aim for.

Today antique and vintage Rookwood Pottery can easily command high prices and individual piece can rank alongside the best pottery Europe can produce. Rookwood has tradition, design innovation and a long history of 130 years behind it. This relatively long history, in American terms, and being an original American art work can add substantial value to antique Rookwood pottery pieces. But the company hasn't always had a smooth ride. 

In the 1920s the company prospered and sales peaked as Rookwood joined Tiffany as one of the most sought after products to grace well-heeled households. By 1941, demand had slumped and the Rookwood company filed for bankruptcy, only just managing to stay in business when it was bought out. In 1982, Arthur Townley an avid Rookwood collector bought the company to save it and its assets being shipped overseas. Rookwood was mothballed as Townley waited for a buyer who could re-build the brand. In 2004, Arthur Townley was persuaded to sell to a group of investors who shared his passion for Rookwood Pottery. They quickly pulled together a team of artists and designers to establish the Rookwood brand as one of the best in the World. In 2011, Martin and Marilyn Wade took control of Rookwood Pottery. Reinvigorating the brand and returning it to its tradition of excellence and top quality innovative design. 

AUTHENTICITY                     WE GUARANTEE THE AUTHENTICITY OF ALL ITEMS TO BE AS REPRESENTED

Ashville Fine Arts Gallery specializes in a variety of fine art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles and rare finds. If you have not seen something that interests you or that you collect, please visit often and check our ever-expanding inventory. We make a best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine the photos attentively, as they are an integral part of item descriptions. 

SHIPPING                             WE SELL & SHIP WORLDWIDE

Domestic & International Customers are Welcome! We reserve the right to use another shipping carrier or method other than what is listed, to ensure your purchase is delivered securely. Please contact us if you require a specific shipping carrier. In the event if the dimensions and weight of the purchased item exceed those allowed by USPS, the shipping charges estimates, specified in the general item description should be considered incorrect. A valid shipping-cost estimate shall be arranged with the Buyer in accordance with a destination, type of shipping selected, insurance etc. International Buyers, please check your country Customs regulations, as we are not responsible for any customs fee or duty after international shipping is posted! Import duties and taxes are the Buyer's responsibility and are not included in the price you have paid for an item. Hand delivery is complimentary to New York City Buyers. 

INSURANCE                        ALL ITEMS ARE CAREFULLY PACKED AND INSURED

Please do not attempt to return an item due to shipping damage. Should it occur in spite of our careful packaging, this must be handled through the shipping agent with an insurance claimed with the insurance company. Always be sure to retain all original packaging if a claim is to be made, as the shipping agent may request to examine it. 

INQUIRIES                           PLEASE SEND US A MESSAGE

If you have any questions regarding shipping; need additional information about any of our listings or discuss price - please, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to assist you further with any inquiries.