The Roseville Morning Glory pattern, circa 1930’s has open faced blossoms embossed on a smooth surface. The blossoms are entangled with vines and green leaves on a satin matt glaze finish.
This 15″ vase, sold for $1100 on ebay in April 2009.
Mary Louise McLaughlin (1847-1939) published a popular book about china painting in 1877. In 1878, she became the first American to successfully produce ceramics with underglaze painted decoration. She founded Cincinnati Pottery Club in 1879, it was the first woman’s pottery club in America. In 1880 she produced a manual on decorating under the glaze. She also created the largest vase made utilizing the underglazing technique and called it the “Ali Baba” vase. In 1895, she patented a technique for inlay decoration in pottery. In 1898 she built a kiln in her back yard and became the first American to work in studio porcelain, the most difficult of all clays.
This vase, marked Losanti measures 2 1/4″ wide by 5″ tall and sold for $3,550 on ebay in April 2009.
Zsolnay Factory started in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay who established the first manufacture of ceramics for his son Ignác. In 1863 Ignac’s younger brother, Vilmos took over as manager. The factory’s first major success was reached at the 1873 World Exhibition in Vienna, where Zsolnay received many orders from England, France, Russia, and America.
The success achieved during the 1878 World Exhibition in Paris was tremendous. The jury praised the Zsolnay collection as being unique and gave it the gold medal. The next steps in this series of successes were Melbourne in 1880, Brussels (1888), Chicago (1893) and Antwerp (1894). At the exhibition organized in 1896, on the occasion of the millenium of the Hungarian Kingdom, the factory introduced its most beautiful pieces, made of eosin. The emperor awarded the Franz Joseph Order to Vilmos Zsolnay, and the city of Pécs gave him the title of Honorary Town Citizen.
After Vilmos Zsolnay’s death, in 1900, his son Miklós took over management and adopted the new Art Nouveau style. In the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and in other neighboring countries, no competitors could be found for the frost-resistant Zsolnay building decorations. Vilmos Zsolnay’s great merit was his invention of several new technologies for the production of ceramics. In the course of his experiments, he developed a base material and glazes that yielded a quality equal to porcelain painting, but which at the same time allowed a much richer use of colours. His technique of firing glazes at high temperatures remains unique even today. Today, the Zsolnay porcelain Factory holds on to its great traditions, while at the same time stressing the importance of a continuous renewal.
This mark dates from the ~1905 and is the round raised Five Steeple Zsolnay mark and impressed 8049 form number under glaze.
Zsolnay Factory started in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay who established the first manufacture of ceramics for his son Ignác. In 1863 Ignac’s younger brother, Vilmos took over as manager. The factory’s first major success was reached at the 1873 World Exhibition in Vienna, where Zsolnay received many orders from England, France, Russia, and America.
The success achieved during the 1878 World Exhibition in Paris was tremendous. The jury praised the Zsolnay collection as being unique and gave it the gold medal. The next steps in this series of successes were Melbourne in 1880, Brussels (1888), Chicago (1893) and Antwerp (1894). At the exhibition organized in 1896, on the occasion of the millenium of the Hungarian Kingdom, the factory introduced its most beautiful pieces, made of eosin. The emperor awarded the Franz Joseph Order to Vilmos Zsolnay, and the city of Pécs gave him the title of Honorary Town Citizen.
After Vilmos Zsolnay’s death, in 1900, his son Miklós took over management and adopted the new Art Nouveau style. In the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and in other neighboring countries, no competitors could be found for the frost-resistant Zsolnay building decorations. Vilmos Zsolnay’s great merit was his invention of several new technologies for the production of ceramics. In the course of his experiments, he developed a base material and glazes that yielded a quality equal to porcelain painting, but which at the same time allowed a much richer use of colours. His technique of firing glazes at high temperatures remains unique even today. Today, the Zsolnay porcelain Factory holds on to its great traditions, while at the same time stressing the importance of a continuous renewal.
This Angel Compote measures 11″ wide x 5.5″ high. With a chip it sold for $2,300 on eBay in April 2009.
Newcomb Pottery was founded by Ellsworth and William Woodward at Sophie Newcomb College, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1895. The pottery program continued through the 1940s. Alma Florence Mason, (New Orleans, 1886 to 1970) worked at the Newcomb College Art Department 1907 to 1921.
This mark is from 1914, with impressed Newcomb College circular logo, conjoined cypher of JM, and 186 on base. Glazed date code GX 99, and incised artist’s initials A.M. on base.
One of my worst eBay online auction experiences was ironically when I purchased an Amethyst Carnival Glass Good Luck Plate.
The Good Luck plate arrived, and the color was great, except for a brown burn spot on the edge of the plate. I frowned, wondering how I had missed the big brown spot in the description. I logged into my computer, and looked at the picture. The seller was holding the plate and his thumb was covering the brown spot. GRRRRRR!
I sent a note to the seller and asked for a refund. He promptly sent me a note back that showed that his auctions were “All Sales Final.” My heart started beating fast and my face flushed with color. I had been swindled. It wasn’t a case of misunderstanding, he had purposefully covered a spot on the plate and mislead me.
Fortunately this story has a happy ending. I contacted PayPal and returned the plate. After 45 days, they refunded my money. I left negative feedback and so did he.
My lesson learned - if the seller says, “ALL SALES FINAL” do not buy from them. A reputable dealer will always give you a refund. If the piece isn’t as described, they will even refund shipping.
There is nothing more upsetting and embarrassing than finding out that your online purchase is really a fake. Con artists are everywhere, but they have gotten even more brazen online. The anonymity of the Internet and seeming lack of consequences makes crooks even bolder … so please memorize the top 10 things to watch out for.
My wife is from Indiana, and she lived in Muncie, IN after her father came back from Vietnam … and he attended Art School at Ball State. If only she had acquired Muncie Pottery back in those days. These are examples of Green over Rose Drip:
This vase is 8.5″ tall and has an estimated value of $175-$225
This 7.5″ vase, shape #177 has an estimated value of $175-$225:
Hester Pillsbury was one of Weller’s top decorators in the early 1900’s. His Hudson vases are spectacular. The following are examples of his signature/initials:
Weller used a number of different marks …
This mark was used from the late 1900’s until just before 1925. This WELLER Weller Ware mark came from a Weller Hudson vase:
