This Rookwood Decorated Mat Vellum vessel stands 8" high by 4.5" in diameter by 3.5" at the rim opening. It has a classicly elegant form with a cinched collar and a rolled rim. It was decorated by Fred Rothenbusch, a graduate of the Art Academy in Cincinnati. His tenure at the Rookwood Pottery was from 1896-1931, essentially his career. This vase is decorated with what appear to be Wild Rose blossoms and leaves, and some blue berry-like fruit trailing all around the vessel. The art work is exquisitely presented under a veil of vellum glaze. The blossoms are pink with yellow centers and green leaves. There are blueberry-like fruit in a rich deep blue over a light to medium blue ground, which transitions to a creamy beige at the base. There is a deeper blue blush at the rim, which covers the interior, simply a gorgeous presentation. It has a smooth satin mat finish. This pot is shape number 2544, and it is dated 1926, along with the standard Rookwood cipher on the base. It bears Rothenbusch's initials cipher, 'FR' on the base. This vase is in original factory condition, no apologies. This very impressive and elegant Rookwood beauty makes a stunning presentation!
Interestingly, Fred Rothenbusch and Ed Diers joined the Rookwood Pottery in 1896 and stayed until 1931. This vase by Rothenbusch was painted in 1926, and the same form 2544 (in my next website listing) by Diers, shape 2544, was painted the same year. Both artists graduated from the Cincinnati Art Academy before joining the Rookwood Pottery, and both are considered excellent artists, whose works are highly sought after. For some, this likely means nothing, but I'd like to think they painted these at the same time in a sort of competition, both are winners...and it made me smile!