June 28, 1960, Rookwood Pottery, one of the premier art potteries in the United States, closed its plant in Cincinnati. Started by Maria Longworth Nichols Storer - granddaughter of Cincinnati settler Nicholas Longworth - in 1880, Rookwood's pottery far exceeded the quality of almost every other American pottery manufacturer and achieved world renown.

Rookwood rejected the factory system used by other potteries and fostered an artistic atmosphere. No printing patterns were used and no duplicates were made of signed, decorated pieces. The decorators, both men and women, were from around the world and used glazing techniques developed at Rookwood. Rookwood pottery is prized by collectors. A vase made in 1900 by Japanese artist Kataro Shirayamadani - one of Rookwood's most famous and popular - sold for $198,000 in 1991.

Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361.