Portrait Vase is an historic tribute
Rare Rookwork art pottery fetches a valuable appraisal
Q This vase was my grandmother's. She came from Chicago and it was always in her home. I was attracted to this when I was a boy, so it passed to me a generation ago when she died. I know it’s a “Rookwood” and stands only 18.5cm high (seven inches). I have two grandsons who may have to “fight over it” some day!
Michael, Creemore, Ont.
A Cincinnati-based Rookwood was founded in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols, daughter of that city’s wealthiest family. Maria experimented with pottery glazes and hired top artists, eventually developing one of the country’s top potteries. Several of her artists decorated articles with portraits of Indigenous Americans, which was very popular during 1890s-era Cincinnati, Ohio. From the base markings, your vase dates to 1899. All of this is followed by the subject title, which appears to be “Brinshill Sioux.” The Sioux Chief in full headdress is striking. Rookwood art pottery is rare, and I’d say your grandsons will be fighting over a piece that’s currently worth about $2,000.
Q This item, I believe to be a nutmeg grater, belonged to my late mother who was an artist with a great interest in researching items and keeping track of our family roots and where some of the better things came from. The monogram is from an American branch of our family. Standing about 7.5 cm high (three inches) it could pass for a lipstick holder when closed. It is hallmarked ‘sterling silver.’ Can you add any info and a value?
Andrea, Fergus, Ont.
A Nutmeg has been an extremely valuable commodity for centuries. Wars have been fought over it, and the Dutch once traded away an island to the Brits to preserve their nutmeg monopoly — the island now known as Manhattan. Your grater was made by Peter Krider of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sometime between 1870 and 1903. Krider established his business in 1850, and managed to run it successfully while also serving in the American Civil War. Upscale nutmeg graters are quite rare, and are usually British-made.
Your American-made example is even rarer, and is worth about $600.
Q I purchased this oil painting by Andre Bieler from a small local gallery some 26 years ago. It measures 39 by 50 cm (15 x 20 inches), and I think that I paid around $2,750 for it. The colours are very strong, and the winter rural scene, the horse-drawn red cutter and the little cottage are memorable. I would greatly appreciate any information you can shed on this painting and an estimate of its current value. I look forward to hearing from you.
Joyce, Ottawa, Ont.
A You have a terrific painting by Andre Charles Bieler (1896-1989). Bieler spent his career capturing Quebec’s joie de vivre, and painted well into his 90s.
His many associations include the Ontario Society of Artists, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and the Canadian Group of Painters.
He loved to capture activity, like this scene with two blanketed horses hitched to the traditional red cutter and green sleigh, and a vividly blue-dressed bystander.
This painting is larger than many and the combination of bold colours, impressionistic styling and an iconic Canadian winter scene make it very desirable.
It will hold a handsome profit for you, with a current value of at least $10,000.
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