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This is an unusual old Rookwood vase.  The shape is incised "5148" on the base along with the Rookwood flames logo and "XXXI" for 1931.  The body of the vase is  finished in a hobnail texture.  The unusual hi-blue glaze was allowed to settle around the physical features of the vase, creating rich and subtle variegations of color.  It is six inches tall, has a two inch base and is about four inches in diameter at its largest area.  The vase is in very good condition, with no repairs, chips or cracks.  There is moderate crazing and a few pinpoint glaze pops are present.   

Founded in 1880 by Maria Longwood Nichols, Rookwood Pottery of Cincinnati, Ohio has been described as the most influential pottery company in the world.   Maria founded the pottery in a abandoned school house  purchased for her by her father.  She named it for her father's country home.  In the early days Maria worked alone in the pottery, producing Japanese-influenced work and white ware for local ceramic painters.  The Rookwood facilities were also used by members of the Cincinnati Pottery Club.   In 1881 she began to hire help, including ceramic decorators. With their arrival, the decorations on the wares began to change. Floral and natural subject matter replaced the Japanese motifs.  During 1992 Rookwood moved to a new plant with a picturesque view of Cincinnati and a garden to inspire its fifteen decorators.   

Rookwood worked hard to have inspired decorators. They maintained a comprehensive library of books, periodicals, drawings, photographs, prints, and sketches; they subscribed to American and European trade journals and popular periodicals. The decorators were educated and talented; many had attended the University of Cincinnati School of Design.  Decorators were beseeched to seek subject matter directly from nature.  Raw materials including fresh plants and flowers were provided to stimulate their creativity.  Many went to Europe to study and learn.  Rookwood sponsored lectures where decorators could observe the artistic techniques of others and ask questions.

Rookwood had one hundred retail outlets nationwide in 1904. To expand further, Rookwood published The Rookwood Book, their first mail-order catalogue.  During the 1920s Rookwood began using molds to produce its wares. Some of the master molds used to produce these wares contained the artist initials along with other identification of the piece.   Rookwood struggled financially after the stock market crash in 1929. The company operated at a loss and in October of the following year almost the entire staff was laid off.

Rookwood filed for bankruptcy in April 1941 and was purchased by Walter and Marge Schott (of Cincinnati Reds fame) and others. When the US entered WWII Rookwood was forced to curtail production due to lack of supplies.  Although it took years to wind down, the glory days were finished.  After various changes of hands, by 1967 Rookwood had stopped production of pottery.

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