Thursday, May 31, 2012

Roseville - My Island of Misfit Pottery Pieces

The Roseville Pottery Company was an American pottery manufacturer in the 19th and 20th centuries. Though originally simple household pieces, the design of the pottery was popular with the American Arts and Crafts movement and pieces are now sought after by collectors.  They started in business in 1890 and their last production was in 1953.

I have picked up many pieces of Roseville over the years at yard sales, flea markets, etc., but not with the intention of keeping them.  At first, I wouldn't buy any pieces that were chipped or cracked because those pieces don't sell well.  Then I realized I could have my own collection of imperfect Roseville and give them a home where they would be loved.  After all, aren't we all flawed in some way?  And even despite our flaws, we are loved by friends and family.  

When you're collecting Roseville Pottery, you have to be careful about reproductions.  During the late 1990's, there were many import reproductions finding their way into the market.  Even some antique stores were fooled.  If you really know the feel and look of the pottery, you will easily spot the differences.  They have a good imitated signature on the bottom, but there are differences, especially in the "R" and the way the "S" slants.  The painting is also a little sloppy - bleeding outside it's boundaries.  Genuine Roseville is not hastily painted - even though they have some imperfections, they're usually very finely painted.  The glaze is also a big giveaway.  Genuine Roseville has a smooth, clean feel to it - it makes you want to caress it in your hands....if you are a pottery lover, you'll understand.   The fake pieces have more of a matte, rough finish.

I also have many, many pieces of Hall pottery - some of them have chips and cracks too.  All of my pottery is pretty enough to display, with the minor flows carefully placed where it doesn't show.   My home is sort of like the  "Island of Misfit Toys Pottery" in the Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer story.  Each piece feels quite at home here.  Here is a photo of my Roseville pieces.  They're tucked into a corner of a bookshelf in my library.  The piece front left is not Roseville, but the colors are similar so I grouped them together.


 I'll feature my Hall Pottery pieces at another time.  Do you have a pottery collection?  Do you mind if they're somewhat flawed or are you a collector who wants only perfect pieces? 



Linking today to Katherine's Corner's Thursday's Favorite Things Bloghop party.  Also, Knick of Time TuesdayWow us Wednesday  and Vintage Thingies Thursday and Thrifty Things Friday.  Click the links and join the fun.

16 comments:

  1. Hi Glenda. This was an interesting post. I know I've said this before, but you certainly have an eye for lovely things. I love your comment that, despite our flaws, we are still loved by friends and family. I have lots of pieces of china around. Hubby and I used to go to Antiques Fairs all the time, but really started to run out of space, so we don't do it anymore. I do love hearing about garage sales and house sales that my American bloggy friends go to and seem to come up with such wonderful pieces for very little money it seems to me!! Hope all is well with you my friend. Hugs.

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    1. Diane, we're out of space also, but when I see something I really like, I put something else I'm not quite as enamored with on Ebay - always making space for something new that thrills me.

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  2. I like your pottery. You have to be careful and know your business when looking for the real thing.

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    1. Yes, LV - the fakes are certainly out there lurking.

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  3. I love Roseville Pottery. I have several pieces I have collected at yard sales. I would buy chipped Roseville .

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    1. Thanks for commenting Susan. Roseville is beautiful whether it's chipped or not, isn't it?

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  4. Hi Glenda, Visiting from TTF. Like you, I have a somewhat imperfect collection of Roseville that I've thrifted over the years. Mine are up on a wall shelf, which really hides any chips on the bases. Love the look and as you said, feel of them too.

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    1. Thanks for visiting Pam. Most of my little imperfections tend to be on or near the rim, so I just turn the good side to the front and no-one ever knows. Well, now they do, don't they, lol.

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  5. Oh my! I have a number of Roseville pieces in the Magnolia design -- they belonged to my mother and I am so blessed to have them. They started my obsession with all things magnolia! (and no chips on mine, well except for a flower pot saucer that sadly broke!)
    You have a delightful blog -- I'm following!

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  6. I buy chipped or flawed items sometimes because I like them and I want to use them. If they were perfect, I'd probably feel intimidated about using them! Yesterday I bought a lovely Fenton pink milk glass vase for $2 because the base had a chip. Didn't bother me at all :)

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    1. Ooh! I love Fenton too! I have a Fenton bird collection.

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  7. Hello Glenda
    I thought I'd commented here but obviously not - age thing I suppose lol
    You certainly have your work cut out for you what collecting sorting and putting up for sale - do you close up the business during the off season?
    Take care
    Cathy

    Cathy @ Still Waters


    commenting via blogger - above link to new blog at wordpress

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  8. Glenda and the island of misfit pottery, giggle. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo

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    1. Thanks for allowing us to share Katherine!

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  9. Oh yes, pottery. I am a fan too. Whether it's earthenware or fine china. And I have to really really want a piece to take it cracked or chipped. Of course, for me, it's mostly about teapots. Someday I'll do a teapot post on my blog, but it will have to be a series probably, cuz there are just too many of them for one post. Love your blog!!

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I love to hear your comments!