The centerpiece of Everson Museum's ceramics collection
By Laura Hand
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 7:43 p.m.
SYRACUSE --
It sits in tight security in the downstairs gallery of Syracuse's Everson Museum.
The Scarab Vase, nicknamed because of the beetle motif, is actually named 'The Apotheosis of the Toiler'--in part because of the hours it took to create the masterpiece. Adelaide Robineau, Syracuse ceramist, worked 1,000 hours creating the intricate lacework pattern on the pale turquoise vase back in 1910, much of the work done with a dental pick.
The vase became more famous--or infamous--in early 1989, when it went missing from the museum. It's picture, with 'stolen' signs, were put up in its place as a reward was offered for its return. That happened--but only after the FBI broke up a nationwide fine arts theft ring.
