The Rookwood pottery company of Cincinnati, Ohio began operation in 1880 producing beautiful works of art in the Limoges style. This style involved slip decorations covered with a thin translucent glaze over the surface of each example. The firm used this technique until 1885 when the superior standard glaze technique became popular. The earth tone colors used included browns, greens, blues and black contrasting with white and splashes of gold gilt. The company employed a number of fine artists such as Martin Rettig in the early years. Mr Rettig worked for Rookwood only a few short years from 1883–1885. His work exhibited Japanese influence with the use of bird and reed decorations very popular in the last quarter of the 19th century. 

This wonderful example in the shape of a shallow bowl or possible plate has a very detailed decoration fully visible in a number of the pictures. The back has the impressed company name, the year 1883, the shape 140 and the artist cipher clearly visible. A well preserved, I believe, original label still attached under the aforementioned markings also present. The bowl measures 6 1/2” diameter and sets 1 1/4” high when lying flat. In very good to excellent original condition with no post factory damage or repairs noted. Possibly some of the gold has worn off due to handling and use but does not detract from the beauty or value of this item. Also several pictures show fine crazing over the surface, very common with early Rookwood pottery. A great opportunity to pick up a fine example of early Rookwood art.  Please view all pictures as they are considered part of the description. 

Please check back to my listings often as I will be posting numerous fine examples of glass, pottery and porcelain in the near future. 

Thank you.