Lot 1133: Rookwood Black Iris,metal and cranes,Shirayamadan

Rare and extremely important Black Iris glaze vase with electroplated metal mounts done by Kataro Shirayamadani in 1900, quite possibly for the Paris Exposition. Decoration consists of caramel colored flying cranes who glide through the blackest of clouds. The applied metal consists of both copper and silver electroplate over deeply carved lotus blossoms and pads, the combination being nearly unheard of in Rookwood's brief period of electrodeposit. Marks include the Rookwood logo, the date, Special Shape number S 1523 and the incised cypher of the artist. Height 14 1/2 inches. Light crazing. Featured in "Rookwood Pottery The Glorious Gamble" on page 106. The vase is also pictured in an article written by Herbert Peck entitled "Some Early Collections of Rookwood Pottery" in Park-Bernet Galleries' magazine "Auction" in September, 1969. A photo used in the article, apparently a Rookwood advertising still, shows 10 examples of Rookwood Applied Metal with this vase the largest and most impressive. An original copy of that article is available to the purchaser.