Rago Auctions

Rose (1914–2015) and Erni Cabat (1914–1994) were a dynamic duo in the world of mid-century American ceramics, best known for their collaboration in creating the iconic Feelies—small, smooth ceramic vessels with sensuous, textured surfaces and richly hued glazes. Rose was the artistic visionary behind the work, while Erni provided technical and creative support, particularly in glaze development.

Rose’s journey into ceramics began in the 1940s when Erni brought home a potter's wheel after attending classes at Greenwich House in New York City. Rose quickly developed a passion for the medium and started producing functional pottery such as bowls and vases. The couple moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1942, where they set up a home studio. It was here that Rose’s work evolved from functional ceramics to the iconic Feelies—the couple’s most famous creations. These small, bulbous vessels, with narrow necks and finely textured surfaces, have a tactile quality that invites touch. Each Feelie was individually hand-thrown and glazed, making every piece entirely unique. Although they are technically vases, the necks are so narrow that they are more sculptural objects than functional vessels.

Erni played a crucial role in Rose’s artistic success. As a commercial artist and designer, he helped market her work and contributed to the development of the special glazes that gave the Feelies their distinctive look. Together, the Cabats became key figures in the American studio pottery movement, gaining recognition in the 1960s and 1970s. Rose’s work was exhibited in prestigious venues, including the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now the Museum of Arts and Design) in New York.

Even after Erni's death in 1994, Rose continued to create her celebrated ceramics well into her later years, producing work up until her death at age 100 in 2015. Her dedication to her craft and the timeless beauty of the Feelies secured her legacy as one of the most significant American ceramic artists of the 20th century. Today, their work is held in numerous private collections and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.