19th Century Hand Painted Rookwood Vase with Gorham Sterling Silver Overlay

This late 19th century glazed earthenware mug was crafted in the studios of Cincinnati Ohio's renowned Rookwood Pottery Company and has a traditional form with an ear-shaped handle having a thumb rest. The exterior of the piece is finished in standard glaze and features hand painted decoration executed by highly regarded artist William Purcell McDonald (1864-1931). The decor has an appealing wine harvest theme consisting of grape vines that snake across the surface. The vines are studded with leaves in various shades of green along with two dangling clusters of plump reddish grapes. McDonald's application of paint is slightly raised in places giving the image a dimensional quality. The mug is further ornamented with an ornate silver overlay manufactured by Gorham. The silver decoration covers the handle and rim and includes a series of large etched foliate scrolls and flowers that extend across the body. There is also an eye-catching latticed area that provides a strong visual contrast with the gentle curving motifs found on the other parts of the silver overlay. The underside of the mug has an impressed RP mark along with shape 422 and the letter W. It also carries the incised initials of the artist - W. P. McD - and the letter L. The underside of the silver foot rim is stamped Gorham Manufacturing Co. along with a hand engraved mark reading S 1274 S. This highly collectible Rookwood silver...

This elegant late 19th century silver salver was made by Baltimore, Maryland based silver manufacturer, S. Kirk & Son. The piece features an ornate chased floral shoulder finished wi...