From 1904 to 1910, Ohio native William Joseph “Dard” Hunter worked for Roycroft, a commercial Arts and Crafts community founded by Elbert Hubbard in East Aurora, New York. Hunter was one of the group’s most influential artisans and was a master craftsman in many media, including books, ceramics, metal, and stained glass. This extremely rare vase is one of only a few known prototypes that Hunter executed for Roycroft in 1906. Although heavy in appearance, the molded porcelain is extremely thin, which lends a delicate quality to the otherwise stout form.