THE RUMPH - Beaked Chalice

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Added by:
Paul (Rumph Guide) De Belling
from Southern California on 01/08/2004

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Added by:
Mark Williams
from Oak Harbor, WA on 06/27/2009

Supersize It!

Added by:
Mark Williams
from Oak Harbor, WA on 06/27/2009

Supersize It!

Added by:
Mark Williams
from Oak Harbor, WA on 06/27/2009

Supersize It!

Added by:
Mark Williams
from Oak Harbor, WA on 06/27/2009

Beaked Chalice

The bottom is incised "68 Rumph" and is what may be perhaps the earliest known Rumph piece. It has on one side the ogre motif, which carried through into many of Jim's later cast pieces. On the other side is a "harpy" eagle head motif which, as far as can be determined, is unique to this piece. The "chalice" form is, in itself, rare for Rumph and the motif combination makes this chalice one of a kind. At least two types of clay are used, stoneware and porcelain. Light blue glaze accents are seen on the medalians and other details and a pale white glaze lines the interior of the vessel. There is slight damage to the "bezel" surrounding the horn above the ogre's right eye. But other than this slight flaw, the piece is immaculate. It is a minor miracle that more damage has not occured as so many of the decorations are simply pressed into the wet clay prior to firing.

This is a piece of fine ceramic art, dating from the period prior to Rumph's commercial success and should appeal to the discerning collector of Rumph ceramics. It is 8 1/2 inches tall and almost 9 inches from the protruding snout of the ogre to the tip of the Harpy's beak. A truly remarkable, original piece.

Produced: 1968
Rarity Ranking :

Added on: 01/08/2004
Added by: Paul (Rumph Guide) De Belling from Southern California
Current Estimated Value in Excellent Condition: $700-$2,000

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This is an ORIGINAL, one off, hand built chalice, bought from Jim Rumph himself my me at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Agoura, California in 1969. I bought the chalice instead of one of his mugs because I was just getting into the study of wine and thought the chalice would be a cool wine vessel. He was displaying his work in his booth and this was the only chalice. I had to wait till the end of the last day to get an affordable price from Jim. This was before he contracted to have his pieces mass produced. I believe that the chalice was too difficult to make owing to the stemmed vessel's tendency to sag prior to drying completely. Also, the harpy eagle head, while very cool, would be almost impossible to cast successfully. But I'll tell you, all of his pieces were hand built then and he had some incredible work!

The original picture shown here was a scan I sent to Paul DeBelling when he was making his book.
Added by Mark Williams from Oak Harbor, WA on 06/27/2009