Rookwood, prized for its painterly look, is one of the biggest names in American art pottery.  Early handmade wares are the most sought after, although there are plenty of more affordable Production pieces- for $100-400-to collect.

Of all the art potteries started int he late 19th sentury, Rookwood is the most famous, influential, and colelctible.  At first, this distinctly American pottery made wares that were quite amateurish-gaudy in color and ungainly in shape- yet, only a few years into production its pieces had already acquired a wondrous synergy of decoration and form.  The quality of the ware was so outstanding that the pottery won several prizes at expositions in Paris, St. Peterburg, and Buffalo, New York.

A closer look at...    STANDARD GLAZE.

Although Standard glaze pieces were more popular during the 1960's and 70's certain pieces can still fetch high prices. 

TOP TIPS

Early rookwood items bear an intertwined R and P. From 1886 an R-P appears, with a flame for each year.  After 1900, the last 2 digits of the roman year (eg, V for 1905) were in Roman Numerals.  Pieces from 1980 (made under license) have Arabic numerals

Works are in porcelain, earthenware, and clays.  Mark show color or type of clay: P is for soft porcelain; Z is for matte; V is for vellum; X for factory "second".

and Artists' monograms (eg ETH for E.T. Hurley), attract a huge premium Production pieces are unsigned.

Hope this helps!