Rookwood Pottery

Established in a renovated schoolhouse in 1880, Rookwood Pottery soon became one of America’s most successful pottery companies by the turn of the century.

The founder, Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, experimented with many glazes and production techniques to make her pottery to be both beautiful and useful.

Rookwood soon employed approximately 200 workers, artists, and sculptors, of which 136 artists are well documented. Artists of note include Matthew Andrew Daly, Henry Francois Farny, and Kataro Shirayamandani. 

Rookwood Pottery began with relief designs composed over red, pinks, greys and sage green clays, and the high-gloss, yellow-tinted Standard Glaze came around 1883. Other highly imitated glazes include the clear Iris, tinted Sea Green and Aerial Blue. Rookwood pieces are typically incised the mirrored “R” Rookwood mark and identifying numbers, with more collectible work containing an artist mark.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rookwood’s body of work spans over a century of design evolution. Discover antique Rookwood pottery from the Arts and Crafts era, featuring soft matte glazes and nature-inspired motifs. Admire hand-painted portrait vases from the Victorian period or classic Rookwood vases adorned with floral reliefs and subtle iridescence. Our selection of Rookwood pottery tiles and Cincinnati tile accents for architecture enthusiasts brings a storied elegance to interior spaces.
Collectors value Rookwood's exceptional craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and deep roots in American ceramic history. With over 140 years of production, Rookwood’s distinctive glazes, artist-decorated pieces, and historical significance make it a cornerstone of fine art pottery collecting.
Rookwood's tiles and vases aren’t just decorative; they're artifacts of ingenuity. From patented glaze formulas to collaborations with renowned artists, Rookwood set the standard for excellence in American art pottery. Custom molds, hand-carved detail, and artistic autonomy for decorators made each piece a triumph of form and function.
Check for the Rookwood flame mark, date codes in Roman numerals, and artist signatures. Condition and glaze quality also affect value.
Prices reflect age, rarity, condition, and whether the piece is artist-signed or a trial example. Vintage pottery from the early 1900s is often more valuable than later commercial works.
Rookwood’s timeless forms, earthy glazes, and elegant motifs make it a favorite among interior designers and collectors. Whether displayed on a mantel or incorporated into tilework, these pieces bring historic charm to modern spaces.