Circa 1890 Rookwood Pottery Lamp by Albert Robert Valentien

Item Details

A circa 1890 Rookwood Pottery table lamp by Albert Robert Valentien (1862–1925), the chief Rookwood ceramics decorator from 1887 to 1905. The cylindrical vase body features a translucent two-tone light tan to dark brown gradient glaze and hand painted images of pitcher plants with lush, green leaves. The vase has an adjustable double-socket post and a stepped brass base. Pulling the base away from the bottom reveals the early four flame Rookwood symbol, Valentien’s signature, and the number 506. Worked upon testing.

Apart from Rookwood, Valentien gained fame after being commissioned by noted philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps to paint images of California flora starting in 1908. He worked on the project for ten years, and the almost 1,200 paintings that he produced were later donated by Scripps to the San Diego Natural History Museum in 1933.

Condition

- Wear and scratches consistent with use; some crazing; V shape scratches onto bottom edge of lamp; lamp post is loose, would benefit from tightening of hardware

Dimensions

- Measurements are for the vase body; the entire lamp is 7.75 × 29.25 × 7.75-inches

Item #

17CIN162-223