Kataro Shirayamadani (1865-1948) for Rookwood Pottery
rare Black Iris glaze vase with both painted and electroplated silver dandelion decoration, shape number 743C
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1900
high glazed ceramic, silver
impressed factory marks, incised artist's cypher and glaze designation
3 3/4"dia x 6 7/8"h

Catalog Note:
The Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island electroplated silver overlay on several hundred examples of Rookwood Pottery in the early 1890s, often to the dismay of Rookwood artists who felt Gorham's work was not always compatible with Rookwood's artistry. When Rookwood began doing its own electroplating, the compatibility issue was eliminated. Shirayamadani was a master carver and vases like this, which require a build up and carving of a design before electroplating, were done with amazing skill and the results nothing short of remarkable. Keep in mind also that, in 1899 and 1900, Rookwood was pushing the envelope to produce amazing products for the Exposition Universelle 1900 in Paris. It is uncertain if this vase made it to Paris in 1900, but it has all the best attributes of a World's Fair entry.

Very faint crazing. No chips, cracks or repairs.