Norse Pottery

Established in 1903 in Edgerton, Wisconsin, the company was soon bought out, and moved to, Rockford, Illinois, along with its two chief designers, Thorwald P. A. Samson and Louis Ipson. Samson and Ipson, working under the new owner Arthur Washburn Wheelock, were the ones who designed and decorated the historic, Norse-inspired wares.

Learn more about Norse Pottery

The pieces were shown at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904, and were quite a contrast to other art pottery with its red body painted over with oil colors. It was noted that the work had a Greek style finished, and it garnered some attention there. The Norse Pottery Company, however, had a short span as production ceased in 1913.

Norse ware is not only distinct in its singular design, dark oil coloring, and dull metallic glaze. The pottery was designed as a translation of bronze relics, found in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden during the early 20th century. Inspired by the ancient art, Samson and Ipson designed the pieces to have verdigris-like highlights in the corners, crevices, and sunken lines of the etchings. Each piece was designed like the historic, archeological find as they included a written account with each original. The pottery ranged from vases to candlesticks, and from bowls to ash trays, with every piece marked with the Norse impression on the bottom. There are no recorded signed pieces as only the company’s impression has been noted as a marking, which is of a large “N” with a horizontal “orse” inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norse Pottery, established in Wisconsin in 1903, is admired among American Arts and Crafts ceramics for its deep metallic glazes inspired by Viking bronzes. Norse Pottery stands out for its Scandinavian-influenced simplicity, characterized by clean, weighty forms, restrained geometric or carved motifs, and matte, softly variegated earth-tone glazes. Pieces were produced in small batches, emphasizing handwork and consistency of form over decoration, which gives the line a quiet, architectural presence.

Collectors can authenticate Norse Pottery by checking for the impressed or hand-incised “NORSE” mark, often found on the base. Genuine pieces usually feature stoneware or earthenware bodies with matte or softly variegated glazes in earthy tones. Provenance, auction records, and comparison with known examples also help confirm authenticity.

Norse Pottery is best known for its simple, Arts & Crafts–inspired forms, including ceramic vases, bowls, and planters. Many pieces feature clean silhouettes with hand-carved or geometric motifs, reflecting the studio’s emphasis on craftsmanship over mass production. The range is relatively limited compared to larger potteries, making each form distinctive and collectible.

Condition plays a major role in the value of Norse Pottery. Pieces in excellent condition, free of chips, cracks, repairs, or glaze flaws, command the highest prices. Minor wear may be acceptable for older works, but significant damage or restoration can reduce value by 50% or more. Collectors consistently pay premiums for original, well-preserved examples. Each Norse listing provides precise condition details to ensure confidence in every acquisition.

Its appeal blends scarce, small-batch studio production with timeless, Scandinavian-influenced Arts & Crafts design: clean forms, hand-carved motifs, and matte, softly variegated glazes that suit both historic and modern interiors. Collectors value the authenticity (clear NORSE marks), honest handcraft, and durable stoneware bodies, which together create a refined, understated look that remains stylish and hard to find.