MONUMENTAL ALBERT R. VALENTIEN ROOKWOOD POTTERY VASE and PAINTING: The 17'' vase is in the shape of the Aladdin vase. Well marked with impressed Rookwood, the oval name and address of the pottery and artists initials ARV. Valentein was the first decorator hired by Maria Longworth Nichols. Consignor provenance states that this piece was originally owned by Maria Longworth Nichols (founder of Rookwood Pottery in 1880) and was never sold, remaining in the same family for 124 years. Sold with an historical painting by the author George Ward Nichols, Marias husband. It is a landscape titled Gambrel Cottage, Manchester by the Sea, O/C, signed GWN, 25 3/4'' x 21 1/2'' overall in frame. Est. $5000/7000**