Rookwood Pottery Fan Vase #6839 – Incised Girl Portrait, Butterscotch Crackle Glaze, Cincinnati, 1944

Rookwood Fan Vase with Hidden Incised Portrait in Warm Butterscotch Glaze, Cincinnati, 1944

An unusual and sculptural Arts & Crafts–inspired fan-form vase by Rookwood Pottery, finished in a warm butterscotch caramel crackle glaze. This elegant fan-shaped vase (mold #6839) features a soft, flowing silhouette that opens broadly at the rim and rests on a short pedestal base. The glaze is a rich yellow-to-caramel tone with a subtle crackle effect — a beautiful and somewhat uncommon colorway for Rookwood production.

Subtly incised along one side is the delicate profile of a smiling girl with closed eyes and long, flowing hair— a hidden figural detail that reveals itself only in the right light. The carving is intentionally subtle, almost ghostlike, becoming visible depending on angle and light. For clarity, one photograph has been shown in black and white to highlight the relief detail.

The underside bears the Rookwood flame mark, Roman numeral XLIV (1944) and mold number 6839. Measuring 7 ½" high and 10 ¾" width at opening. Pedestal is 3 ¼" diameter by 1 ½" tall. Displays beautifully with no cracks or structural crazing; crackle finish is part of the glaze design. One small rough spot visible on rim approx. ⅛" (likely glaze skip or tiny nick).

✨ Collector’s Note: Rookwood is celebrated for its refined glazes and restrained forms, but pieces with figural or portrait incising are far less common. Hidden relief decoration like this reflects the studio’s artistic roots, where sculptural modeling and surface carving were treated as fine art rather than simple ornament. Mid-century Rookwood forms with distinctive glazes and unusual motifs are increasingly sought after by collectors.