Vellum Landscape Plaque Among Several Rookwood Items in February Auction
A Rookwood Vellum Landscape Plaque by artist Fred Rothenbusch is set to hit the block on February 20, 2010 in Cowan's Winter Fine and Decorative Art Auction.
The plaque depicts a winter landscape with snow capped mountains, tall furs, and reflecting water. The plaque was executed in 1937 by Fred Rothenbusch. It features an impressed flame logo and is housed in an Arts & Crafts oak frame.
There is little information about Rothenbusch, which was often the case for most of the decorators at Rookwood. However, it is known that he worked at Rookwood from 1896-1931 and was considered one of the top decorators. Rothenbusch was the nephew of another well known Rookwood decorator, Albert Valentien.
Another unique piece is a Rookwood Native American Portrait Vase. In standard glaze, it features a portrait of a Hopi Indian "Weasaw Shoshone" wearing an intricately patterned trade blanket and feather in his hair. It is impressed "Rookwood" with flame mark, shape No.786D, incised "Weasaw Shoshone" on bottom.
View the full Winter Fine and Decorative Art Catalogue online!