Vase

In 1894 Rookwood introduced a new glaze line called “Iris.” The iris plant was a motif used often in this line; in addition, Rookwood claimed that the Iris glaze was as luminous and opalescent as an iris petal held to the light. Indeed, during its time, the glaze was internationally famous for its highly refractive, colorless transparency. Any decoration underneath was enhanced by its deep, crystal-clear quality. The decorations are mostly flowers in pastel shades, which create an elegant softness. Atmospheric ground colors fade almost imperceptibly from dark to light. This soft gradation of ground colors, a Rookwood signature, adds to the watercolor effect of the Iris line.

Carl Schmidt, one of the most talented Rookwood artists, painted the wisteria blossoms on this vase. His skilled use of composition and shading gives the subject a depth and quiet beauty virtually unsurpassed in all ceramics.

Rookwood's Iris glaze line won the grand prize at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition—the international exposition that, in terms of art pottery, remains unsurpassed to this day.