Buyers of Pottery Must Cater to Women

"Buyers of Pottery Must Cater to Women"

That was a selling point made in 1905 by Roseville Pottery in an effort to drive even more demand for its very popular “mat green” finishes.  The advertisement, which can be seen in Mark Bassett’s Understanding Roseville Pottery, goes on to say that “All women love the rich dark shades of green because they are in harmony wherever placed”.  That’s very interesting, especially since green is one of those must-have colors in nearly any contemporary home décor.  And it’s true; women love green.  My bedroom walls are a sage green, there’s a deep green in my living room’s area rug and my guest room is green.  When one stops to consider his/her own choices, sometimes it’s only then a pattern is discovered.  The powers that be during the turn of the century at Roseville Pottery knew then what many of us still aren’t even aware of: there are those choices we make without even realizing we’re following a pattern, such as the case with my use of green throughout my home.

There were seven matt (or “mat”) green shapes that had openings that measured more than 5” in diameter.  This made them ideal for use as vases or even kerosene lamp bases.  Bassett points out the similarities of one of these styles with a popular Grueby lamp, mostly due to the vining, leaves and small flower buds.  Also in this Roseville Pottery line, one could find umbrella stands, jardinières and pedestal sets. 

The shapes in this Roseville Pottery line are remarkable.  Footed bowls and jardinières that begin with one element as the base and changes as it progresses until finally, the top reveals a perfectly formed bowl with intricate detailing are just a couple examples.  This really is a lovely line and if their goal was to entice women, I’m sure it worked and if it didn’t, it serves the purpose now, at least from a personal perspective.