The Roseville "Carnelian" line was introduced in 1926. It came in two color ways: a medium blue drip over light blue, and a dark golden drip over light wheat. Apparently, the line did not sell well, prompting Roseville to "re-glaze" some of the overstock with mottled, organic, curdled glazes: gold with rose and blues with greens. In many cases, one can still perceive the original dripping glaze around the shoulders of the form. The combination of glazes—done at different times—leads to a great deal of variability within the output. Truly, no two pieces are the same. Nevertheless, the Carnelian II pieces have a strong aesthetic identity. Until I was informed of the curious circumstances of the Carnelian II line, I did not realize that there was anything odd about them.
The vase above, made in the 1920's, is a classic, high-shouldered form. The body of the vase is covered in a mottled swirl of rose and honey-colored glazes. The top quarter still shows the dripping glaze from its earlier incarnation, though it is now a highly-complex blend of colors: rose, gold, purple, greens and blues.
Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248