American, Late 19th century

The maker of this platter was an American decorative pottery company, Rookwood, out of Cincinnati, Ohio.  Established in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols, Rookwood designs were inspired by Japanese artwork, and were put on exhibit for the first time in America at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876.  Rookwood pieces were crafted using a higher quality clay than commercial pottery and a low-temperature kiln, as well as hand-painted and stylized using the ‘mouth atomizer’ to create the style that later became known as Rookwood. 

Because of the skill required in its craft and decoration, Rookwoods were rare pieces and priced accordingly, usually indicating status within the homes of those who displayed them. Rookwoods are rare in style as well as content, being the first canvases for Japanese art and culture to be observed and experienced within American society.