Rookwood Pottery

Rookwood Pottery (Cincinnati, Ohio) Founded in 1880 in Cincinnati, Ohio by artist and patron Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, Rookwood became one of the most important names in American art pottery and a major producer of architectural ceramics (tiles, fireplaces, and decorative elements). In its heyday (roughly 1890 to the 1929 market crash), Rookwood achieved international recognition for its high-quality craftsmanship, innovative glaze development, and the artistry of its decorators. The company won a gold medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition within its first decade, helping cement its reputation in the art pottery movement.

Rookwood struggled after the Great Depression, filed for bankruptcy in 1941, and later changed hands; in 1959 production moved to Starkville, Mississippi, and original production ceased in 1967. The brand was later revived in the 2000s and returned to producing handcrafted ceramics associated with its Cincinnati roots. Known for: American art pottery; decorator-driven wares; distinctive glazes; and historically significant architectural tile and fireplace work.