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Avoid Buying Fake Roseville Pottery

January 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

One major reason people avoid collecting American art pottery is because they fear not being able to differentiate between fakes and true Roseville Pottery.

The truth is, some of the fake Roseville pieces have a sense of authenticity that makes it difficult to tell apart from true Roseville Pottery. Aside from getting your collection appraised (which we always strongly encourage), you may never know for sure. Then again, there are those who see the beauty and would still purchase it, even if it were a fake, so that

Collection of Roseville Baneda

they could display it in their home. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, except you probably paid Roseville Pottery prices for fake Roseville pieces.

For those who find it difficult to tell apart, there are a few tell-tale signs that might clue you in. Keep in mind – this is all very subjective in that what one’s idea of a “dull glaze” might be different than another’s – again, this only reiterates the importance of a professional appraisal.

Take a look at the glaze on your piece; fakes lack a certain depth and without a “clear” look; it can even look dull and flat. Also, the glaze shouldn’t hinder the nuances of clay underneath it.

Take a look at the handles (if applicable). Fake pieces usually have bigger handles in terms of their dimensions. Again, this is subjective, but for those familiar with this line of art pottery, the differences are obvious.

How about the detailing? Authentic Roseville Pottery offers a lot of detail – the vines, florals, etc. The Roseville artists always took pride in their detailing efforts.

There were many Roseville marks through the years; so many that sometimes even collectors question a Roseville marking. There are those with Roseville U.S.A. or wafer marks or ink stamps – the marking often dates your Roseville piece; however, fraudsters will do their best to replicate the markings in order to fool buyers.

So what should you do to keep from being taken? We always tell customers to study their Roseville pieces they know are authentic. Usually, once you know what truly is real, the fakes become easier to identify. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history of this dynamic line of American art pottery.

If you’re looking to have your Roseville Pottery collection (or any other collection) appraised, give us a call. All of our appraisals are done in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPA). Greg Myroth is a member of the Association of Online Appraisers and abides by the AOA Code of Ethics. For more information, visit our Just Art Pottery appraisal page.

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Incorporate your Roseville Pottery into Holiday Celebrations

December 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Too many times, we find ourselves scrambling to locate the ideal centerpiece for our family gatherings, especially those special Christmas dinners that we want to ensure are absolutely perfect. As we run from florist to florist or department store to department store, we often overlook the beauty that’s already in our homes, courtesy of our American art pottery collections.

If you’re a Roseville Pottery fan, you already know how versatile your collection is and while there’s not definitive Roseville collection designed especially for Christmas, there are choices within the various collections that can really set the tone for your holidays.  The best part is that you don’t necessarily need a traditional red and green Christmas theme (although there are a few choices that match those color themes). A beautiful Roseville vase with hues of winter white or evergreen works well with silk Chrysanthemums or other holiday floral choices.

As mentioned, there are a few Roseville Pottery pieces that do have a more traditional Christmas theme. The Roseville Creamware collection offers holly-inspired designs. There’s a unique side-pour pitcher with vivid reds and greens against an off-white base. This would make a remarkable centerpiece with the right floral arrangement. Allow the colors to play off each other and you’re sure to have a finished look that’s nothing short of inspirational. Also in this line is a fern dish. This is another beautiful choice, partly because of its footed design. It adds a bit of height, too, which is what most of us like in our centerpieces. If you don’t already own any of these pieces, keep your eyes open – you never know when you’ll come across this particular Roseville design and once you do, it’s sure to be a new addition to your collection.

Another unlikely, though elegant choice for Christmas is found in the Roseville Corinthian line. Granted, it’s probably not the first thing you think of, but the deep green hues in the grooves of the pieces has a certain holiday feel. There are small berries, similar to holly, that coordinate nicely, too. It’s Italian inspired, so you know it’s all about the detailing and this Roseville line doesn’t disappoint.

If you’re not in possession of any of these pieces, remember Roseville Pottery has several lines that incorporate rich reds and brilliant greens. Even those Roseville pieces that don’t have a lot of height can be transformed into the perfect showcase for a bouquet of fresh mistletoe and of course, the other traditional Christmas flowers.

Remember, it’s all about the creativity. The subtle – and even not-so-subtle – Roseville designs makes it easy to allow that creativity to take over.

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Roseville Della Robbia: Unlike Anything Else

September 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Roseville Pottery Della Robbia line was described as “unlike anything else” in the 1906 Roseville catalog. The textures and sgrafitto decorative inclusions define this beautiful line.

The Roseville Della Robbia really stood out the moment it was introduced around the turn of the century. The textures, courtesy of hand incised designs placed on the shapes, which had been slip cast at least two times, set it apart from all other Roseville offerings. Frederick Hurten Rhead described the process involved with this very detailed group:

I had produced some interesting sgrafitto process decorations…the problem involved casting in two colored slips with an incised and carved design…it demanded extreme care and neatness… and the ware had to be handled very tenderly.

Rhead’s biggest problem was ensuring his beloved Della Robbia line wouldn’t be too expensive to mass produce, especially considering the Roseville Pottery decorators “were highly paid as wages go in the art potteries”. Before long, Rhead figured out a way to outsource the work – and this was long before “outsourcing” became a modern catchphrase. Instead of the high wages to the decorators, he instead brought in high school girls who showed promise in their art classes. After extensive training, Rhead was confident these young girls had mastered the process. “I had a working force of ten girls…at the end of two months could execute any of the illustrated pieces”.

Of course, what we’re left with is the beautiful hand decorated Roseville Della Robbia, complete with its textures and dimensions – all because one artist’s determination to bring it to the public. One final note regarding the art pottery line’s history: many of the high school girls who worked on these pieces were hired immediately following their high school graduation.

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Roseville Pottery Della Robbia

September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Roseville Pottery, to many, is known by its more popular lines, such as Roseville Pine Cone or even the beautiful Roseville Zephyr Lily. There were many lines this pottery company released, including the lesser-known, though stunning, Roseville Della Robbia.

Della Robbia is perhaps one of the most striking lines of Roseville Pottery. It’s an early line, released in 1906 and is often known as Rozane Della Robbia. It’s interesting that there are a few very unique and specific lines that are associated with Roseville, but the truth is, this pottery company had more than 110 lines, and some of the more beautiful collections are too often overlooked. One of those collections is, of course, Roseville Pottery Della Robbia.

Textures, Glazes and Colors

Perhaps it’s the expense associated with owning any of these pieces. They began as Rozane Royal or sometimes even Roseville Cremo shapes, only to be laid aside and picked back up again with a new focus. That new focus includes wonderful textures and distinctive glazes and color combinations. More importantly, each piece was carved, detailed and colored by hand. Once you see the detailing, you begin to understand the love that surely went into each vase, ewer or fern dish.

Other Decorative Elements

It’s really quite a versatile line, too. Unlike other lines, such as the Roseville Sunflower line that has a very specific color combination and decorative elements, the Della Robbia offers up different color combinations and patterns. One Della Robbia may include abstracts and scallops while another piece has a more feminine floral design. There’s one particular vase that has clear Japanese influences. This is only part of what makes this such a special collection.

Della Robbia Shape Numbers

There were 23 shape numbers associated with The Roseville Della Robbia and you’re as apt to discover a vase with carved penguins and trees as you are hand carved and very detailed flower petals. It’s truly one of the more sophisticated lines and frankly, that attention to detail that defines Roseville Pottery was never more evident.

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Roseville Pottery: Center Pieces

August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning American art pottery is the ability to define an entire room around a single collection. This week, we take a look at a few of the Roseville Pottery center pieces.

Roseville Pottery is one of the most collected art pottery names in the world. The many patterns and shapes make it a wonderful choice for so many. While some folks like the idea of treating their pottery collections as investments only, there are many of us who can’t imagine not having our collections front and center. One way of doing that is by creating showcases.

Roseville Pottery Pine Cone

There were several Roseville Pottery center pieces made, including a beautiful and vibrant blue centerpiece that commands attention from the Roseville Pottery Pine Cone collection. It’s a grand presentation without being overwhelmed and part of what defines it is the way the colors play off one another. The pine cone in the center of the design pulls together the blue base with the auburn hued interior glaze. You can be sure those who are fortunate enough to own these centerpieces use them at the most special family gatherings. In fact, some hostesses coordinate their entire table around this blue beauty. With blue dinnerware and brown linens, it really is a great way to present an elegant meal.

Roseville Pottery Dawn

Another favorite in the Roseville family is found in the Roseville Pottery Dawn collection. There is a soft pink centerpiece that’s round in shape with a square base and two candleholders on either side. It’s accented with lighter blues and a splash of pale yellow serving as the flower’s center. Think afternoon tea with the ladies and you’ll have an idea of just how lovely and stated this centerpiece is. It was also made with a yellow glaze, too.

Roseville Pottery Crystalis

Feeling especially creative? Why not take a few of your favorite Roseville Pottery pieces and combine them to define your own eclectic look? For a more contemporary look, take a few of your Roseville Pottery Crystalis vases and group them together. What makes this so interesting is the different muted shades, textures and varying heights of the vases in this particular collection. Even the glazes can add a certain contrast that will play a pivotal role in the final outcome. The point is to make it your own. From there, the rest of your table’s presentation should fall into place, whether you choose matching linens and plates or you choose to let your imagination rule the direction. The holidays are coming up – you just might be surprised to learn you already have this year’s center piece for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Roseville Olympic Pottery Line

July 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Roseville Olympic art pottery line was introduced in 1906 as one of the final additions to the Roseville Rozane line. Many have said the line in its entirety was inspired by Wedgwood designer John Flaxman. Others point out that the line is reminiscent of Homer’s Iliad and another Greek text, Works and Days. Regardless of where the inspiration came from, there is no denying the deep color combinations, with a rich brownish red serving as the foundation and ivory, black and subtle gold coming together to define the contrasting and adding depth to this well-loved Roseville Pottery favorite.

While this collection is certainly not whimsical or casual as say, Roseville Sunflower or Roseville Vista, it most certainly is dramatic and very detailed. In fact, the Roseville Olympic 11″ vase offers very precise detailing with painstaking perfection. The black handles add a rich contrast while the beveled rim and base are completed with those small details that define remarkable art pottery. The high gloss adds yet one more level of elegance.

The designs were explained by one historian, D.F. Haynes, in the late 1800s and read, in part:

The design is engraved on a copper plate, mineral colors…stand firing are mixed with a specially prepared oil and a print is taken from the plate on a sheet of tissue paper…laid in proper position and rubbed with a flannel until it adheres. Tints are sometimes used by covering the piece with a thin coat of oil, which the color is applied thereafter followed by a fine powder dusting.

There are definitive Greek tell-tale signs, but honestly, at first glance, one who is not familiar with this art pottery line might initially believe it’s more Asian inspired. Only until you notice the detailing do you realize it’s very much Greek oriented. It’s little wonder this remains one of the more popular Roseville Art Pottery lines.

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The Historical Lessons in American Art Pottery

June 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When you stop to think about how long many of our favorite American art pottery lines were in production, it becomes clear there were many historical events that these pottery companies witnessed and adapted to. In looking through a book on Roseville Pottery recently, I found some of the old advertisements and before long, I found myself lost in the time periods and various world changing events many of these ads referred to.

Understanding these dynamics allows us to bring our appreciation for beautiful collections to an entirely new level. Even the various fonts that were used are indicative of an ever-changing world. For instance, in a photocopy of the Roseville Pottery letterhead, the date looks like this:

May Fourth

1 9 4 0

Of course, in our “go, go, go” world, we’re lucky if we even remember to date a letter, much less carefully spell it out and center it.

Ad campaigns can cost millions in today’s world and they were just as important in the late 1930s and 1940s as they are today. One full size color ad reveals the three Roseville Bushberry colors. The attention paid to detail in arranging the art pottery, along with the carefully selected blue-green and rich ivory backgrounds is nothing short of stunning. The shorter of the two vases in the ad is perfectly placed on a block that will provide a bit of height while the larger vase has lovely small white flowers to frame it. A smaller Bushberry basket fills the mirroring page on its own.

Photo: Alfred University

Another fun advertisement states that Roseville Pottery offers “distinctive designs in modern art pottery”. Today, I think the word we would use is “timeless”.

In a more serious advertisement in 1943, the American economy was taking a hit due to World War II. Fuel, sugar and even pork rations were in place. A drawing of a man wearing a sombrero and sandals is shown with the words, “Pedro seldom worries about production problems”. It then goes on to say:

We know you’ll excuse us if we seem to envy imperturbable Pedro just a bit. For where he gives not a fig for such things as seller’s market and depleted inventories, we’ve worried ourselves gray figuring how to give our customers the Roseville pottery they want and need.

Indeed, one need only look at the advertisements of any given period to understand social problems and even global problems such as war.

As we know, Roseville Pottery has stood the test of time, even when “sure things” have come and gone over the years. It’s that distinctive look and feel (the textures of Roseville Pottery are incredible) of quality workmanship and dedication few companies will ever know.

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Roseville Pine Cone

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There is no shortage of beautiful Roseville Art Pottery lines; each has its own distinct feel and look and collectors are drawn to their favorites for any number of reasons. One of those Roseville Pottery lines has really gone the distance and has maintained its popularity as much today as when it was first released. That line is the Roseville Pine Cone.

It was launched in the mid-1930s and is considered a middle period line. The primary colors are brown (because of the varied pine cones), blue and green. An especially interesting fact about this Roseville line is the way it’s sometimes easily dated. Those pieces made between 1935 and 1939 have die impressed marks with “Roseville” written in script. The shape number and size is almost always included. Those pieces that were made after 1939 have raised characters molded into the bottom. It’s important to note, too, that because foil labels were often used in those early days, it’s not impossible to find Roseville Pine Cone pieces unmarked. There are some that are even marked with crayons.

Part of the attraction with this lovely Roseville line is the many vases, wall pockets, baskets and bowls – and each can be found in various sizes. This is always a bonus for Roseville Pine Cone collectors who like to group their collections together. Nothing gives dimension and depth better than similar designs in a variety of heights and widths. In fact, there are two cornucopias in this Roseville line and no fewer than four flower frogs.

Needless to say, the Roseville Pine Cone collection is one of Roseville Pottery’s most profitable and popular. Whether it’s the Roseville 10” vase with a unique throat and double handles or the more conservative Roseville ashtrays, this will forever be a beautiful addition to any collector’s prized possessions.

As always, we love to see your photographs. Take a few pictures of your favorite Roseville Pine Cone piece and share them with us and we’ll be more than happy to share with our readers too.

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Rare Roseville Vase In March 6, 2011 Auction

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Without question the rarest vase in Just Art Pottery Auctions current auction ending March 6, 2011 is the Roseville vase decorated with fish.  The vase is a one-of-a-kind example of hand-decorated

Roseville Fish Vase For Sale At Auction

Roseville pottery at its best.  The vase descended through the family of a Roseville Pottery employee and this is the first time it has been offered for sale.

Roseville Fish Vase For Sale on Auctions.JustArtPottery.com

There are eight raised fish and seaweed around the perimeter of the vase. The fish are finished in a glossy pearl glaze.  The base glaze is textured, mottled and rough finished in shades of green and blue with copper highlights.  The Roseville vase stands right at 10″ tall and 6″ wide.  When we received the vase from the estate there were three small and harmless base edge chips. These chips have been professionally restored.  The rare Roseville vase is being offered at no reserve with a low starting bid of $2,500.  The pre-sale estimate on the vase is $5,000 to $7,500.

Below is the interesting story of  the history of the Roseville vase as told by a member of the Fraunfelter family.

We received four Roseville vases from Helen Fraunfelter Fogle in 1990.  Helen was the daughter of George Elias Fraunfelter, who ran Fraunfelter China until it was forced into bankruptcy in the late1930’s.  She was the granddaughter of Charles D. Fraunfelter, who worked for Roseville Pottery as Sales Manager until 1915 when he purchased the Ohio Pottery Company which eventually became Fraunfelter China.  Charles D. Fraunfelter’s wife’s uncle was George Emerson who was President of Roseville Pottery in 1899.

Roseville Fish Vase For Sale on Auctions.JustArtPottery.com

Helen Fogle had an eye for collecting and she came into possession of the four Roseville vases upon the death of George Elias Fraunfelter (George was the principal heir of George Emerson).  Two of the vases bear the “Mongol” imprint on the bottom.  The vase with the fish intrigued my aunt as she said she had not seen anything like it.  It was her wish that I distribute three pieces to her nieces and nephew and retain the Roseville vase with the fish.

Bidding on the Roseville Fish Vase or 150 additional pieces of American art pottery is currently available in the online auction between now and March 6, 2011 at  Auctions.JustArtPottery.com or Proxibid.com/JustArtPottery.

For more information on Just Art Pottery Auctions, or if you would like to inquire about consignments for upcoming auctions, please visit our website or contact Greg Myroth at greg@justartpottery.com.

Roseville Fish Vase At Auction

Bottom Marks of Roseville Fish Vase

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