Harriet Ellis Sold at Auction Prices

Harriet Wenderoth (active 1881-1885) & Mary Rhodes Ellis (late 19th century) for Rookwood Pottery earthenware ewer, carved by Wender...

Harriet Wenderoth (active 1881-1885) & Mary Rhodes Ellis (late 19th century) for Rookwood Pottery earthenware ewer, carved by Wenderoth and painted by Ellis to show both ducks in the water and a pair of birds on a branch, shape number 101 Cincinnati, Ohio, 1882 matte glazed ceramic impressed factory marks, incised Wenderoth initials, painted Ellis initials 7"dia x 12"h Catalog Note: This ewer was sold in 1991 in the Glover Collection as Lot 0801 and misidentified by David Glover as done by Marie Eggers, an instructor in wood carving at the Cincinnati School of Design, who was hired by Benn Pitman. While the confusion is understandable, this ewer, and a Dallas Pottery vase also signed M.R.E., are very likely the work of Mary Rhodes (Mrs. Frank R.) Ellis, who was a member of the Pottery Club and did work at both Dallas and later at Rookwood. In a curious twist, Wenderoth was a trained wood carver and all of her work at Rookwood consists of carved designs, although she was not associated with Dallas. This early ewer is one of the nicer pieces done by Pottery Club members in the short time they were allowed to use Rookwood's facilities.