Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking matte-glazed ceramic mug featuring a vibrant 'Cinnabar' orange hue and a geometric Art Deco relief. This piece represents the transition of American art pottery from Victorian florals to the bold, architectural lines of the machine age.
Story
In 1928, Cincinnati was the heart of American ceramic innovation. This mug survived the Great Depression, carrying the signature of a female artist in an era when Rookwood led the world in elevating pottery to a fine art form.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1880 by Maria Longworth Storer, Rookwood was the first large female-owned manufacturing company in the US. Elizabeth Barrett, whose 'EB' mark appears here, was a prolific decorator known for her mastery of the firm's iconic matte glazes.
Condition & Value
The glaze appears vibrant and consistent. There is a visible small chip or glaze loss on the bottom edge of the mug's base. This minor wear is typical for utilitarian pieces but does slightly cap the top-end value. Rookwood is highly collectible; value is driven by the 1928 date mark and the artist's signature.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.