Classic Pottery Bookends From Famous Makers

Southeast Ohio was once the home of manyadorning the bookshelf. Many of the pottery
famous pottery makers. Even today, names likebookends produced during the early to mid
Hull, McCoy and Robinson Ransbottom still echotwentieth century closely followed the arts and
through the Muskingum River Valley. Potterycraft movement and eventually the art deco
bookends are among some of the most collectibleform. McCoy pottery was also well known for
pieces from these well known pottery makers.producing many different themes that included
The area around the Muskingum River Valleyvarious plant and leaf patterns. In addition to
provided the perfect combination of naturalbookends and such, popular forms of McCoy and
resources that included a ready source of fineHull included distinct fluted vases and deep color
grade clay. Often found along the seams of coalglazing patterns.
that dotted the subterranean landscape, the clayThe lovely McCoy White Horse bookends were
gave birth to over fifty pottery manufacturers.first produced during the nineteen forties. Porcelain
The abundance of coal provided a great sourcewhite in shade, the figures depict two draft
of energy to fuel the kilns that were needed tohorses rearing up on their back legs. The colorful
fire the clay.birddog bookends, also from McCoy, feature
The fine quality of the clay found in and aroundbeautifully detailed depictions of hunting dogs
towns like Zanesville, Crooksville and Rosevillehaving just retrieved some game birds.
produced porcelain like quality. A combination ofThe Roseville bush berry pattern is a very
artistry and quality has made pottery from thiscollectible bookend that, if found in perfect
area some of the most collectable in the countrycondition, can fetch hundreds of dollars. The
if not the world. Pottery bookends fromRoseville Zephyr Lily bookend is a beautifully
southeast Ohio stand as a testament to theunique pattern and is highly prized among some
century of fine pottery making that continuescollectors. This distinctive pattern features a
today. Annual events are held to celebrate andyellow lily, shown on full bloom, placed in the
commemorate the rich traditional of potterymiddle of an open book. The Roseville magnolia
making, drawing thousands of collectors andblue is another highly prized and collectible set of
pottery enthusiasts.pottery bookends. Set in a simple green L shape,
Some pieces were created strictly for the sakethe flowering magnolia is placed in the center with
of art while others, like bookends, had a functionala subtle accent of sunburst surrounding the
purpose as well. In the early days of potteryflower.
making, form most definitely followed function.Most of the kilns that produced some of the
From bowls, pitchers and other useful pieces,worlds most recognizable pottery are cold, or
scarce resources were not ordinarily expended onhave disappeared forever. The dozens of pottery
purely decorative pieces. This was especially trueand stoneware producers that once dotted the
in ancient times. This is not to say that a flowerlandscape of southeast Ohio have dwindled to a
vase or ewer could not be useful and decorativehandful.
at the same time. During the heyday of potteryThe internet has provided collectors from all over
making in Ohio, decorative and commemorativethe world with the opportunity to gain an
pottery pieces gained in popularity.appreciation for these pieces of Americana. As
Companies like McCoy and Hull are famous forwith any collectible pottery bookend, the buyer
vases and planters that doubled as bookends.must always be wary of fakes and knockoffs.
How beautiful it was to have fresh cit flowers