Vintage History: Roseville Pottery

Roseville Pottery Company teapot—genuine

Roseville Pottery Company teapot maker's mark—genuine

Roseville Pottery Company urn—reproduction

Roseville Pottery Company urn maker's mark—reproduction

RPR spongeware bowl—genuine

RPR spongueware bowl maker's mark—genuine

RPR bean crock—genuine

RPR bean crock maker's mark—genuine

If you've ever visited an antique store, you've probably seen the beautiful ceramic vessels covered in dusky glazes and gorgeous floral and leafy designs—all tucked safely behind glass. These are from Roseville Pottery Company, a major leader in Arts & Crafts design that was started in 1890. (You may notice a few pieces in the background of many of our product photos.) Located in Roseville, OH, the pottery is so popular that many reproductions are floating around out there, masquerading as the real thing. (Here's a guide on how to identify the marks.)

Making things more complicated is the fact that there's more than one ceramics/pottery manufacturer located in Roseville, OH. Often referred to a "Roseville RPR" by online sellers, Ransbottom Pottery merged with Robinson Clay Products Co. in 1916 to form RPR Co. Their focus was less on simply beautiful vessels and more on utilitarian stoneware and ceramics. These pieces often say "Roseville" on the bottom, but also note "R.P.R." or "RPR." (You can find RPR Co. items in our Bungalow Altar Set and Hearth Altar Set.)

So before you jump at the chance to buy inexpensive Roseville pottery, check your marks and your style to be sure which company's line the vintage piece belongs to.