Everyone has a favorite Roseville art pottery pattern. Others, like me, tend to discover a new reason to look at an old favorite with different eyes from time to time – which means, of course, my favorites are sometimes determined on a whim. Bushberry, Bleeding Heart and even colorful Roseville Savona– all of these have been at the top of my "must have" lists at one time and are apt to come full circle to rest at the top once again.
Still, there's no denying the beauty of the Roseville Cosmos pattern. Introduced in 1939, this quiet pattern is available in blues, greens and tans. It was generally marked with die impressed marks, including the Roseville script, the shape number as well as its size.
It's the individuality of each piece of Roseville Cosmos that keeps me hooked. The baskets, with their curved handles, generous bowl sizes and shadings of varying colors are always striking, but it's much more than that. Take the Cosmos blue jardinière, for instance. Notched rims, delicate flowers and the combination of green and blue bring the entire pottery alive.
Another great piece of art from this pattern is the 10 and 15" brown ewer. Its shadings, unique cuts and gentle handles on either side present quite the original look. It's regal – but delicate. Its base is slightly flared, which only lends to that regal grace.
Other pieces available in this pattern include cornucopias, console bowls, candle holders, flower frogs, hanging baskets, wall pockets and window boxes. Because they're moderately priced, they make an excellent pattern for new Roseville art pottery collectors to begin with and they're still considered easily attainable, so building a collection in this pattern should not prove to be too difficult.
So what's your favorite Roseville Pattern and why? We'd love to hear your story. Drop us an email and tell us about it and be sure to read more about Roseville art pottery on our history page.
Donna McGill – Just Art Pottery
