Antique Rookwood K Shirayamadani Art Vase Handpainted 14 3/4" c1897 (2985)

Monumental Rookwood Art Pottery ewer in the Standard glaze, artist signed Kataro Shirayamadani, possibly the most sought after of the Rookwood artists (worked at Rookwood 1887 -1911 and then 1921 - 1948).

shape #387A.

Date 1897.

Measures 14 3/4 inches high.

Circumference at widest point is about 28 inches.

Very large, round body tapering to a narrow, elegant neck that flares at the top to a wide, frilly rim, very organic in shape.

The body has a ground ranging from golden yellow through a warm, sunset orange to shades of brown - almost black in the darkest places.

Most of the body is beautifully painted with yellow dogwood blossoms, foliage and delicate branches, very much in the Japanese taste.

Subtle colouring of petals and twigs with foliage.

Marked underneath with impressed Rookwood mark for 1897, shape number 387 next to A, which almost certainly refers to the large size; The artist's full signature is also impressed and can be seen in the 'photos.

Good condition.

There are a few stress lines in the enamel.