Overview
This is a beautiful vintage art pottery hanging planter from Roseville's highly collectible 'Water Lily' pattern, first introduced during the height of World War II.
Identification
Roseville Pottery Water Lily Hanging Planter, Shape 661-3
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Story
Roseville Pottery was founded in 1890 in Roseville, Ohio, later moving to Zanesville. The Water Lily line was introduced in 1943 during World War II, featuring deeply molded florals, while the Peony line was introduced in 1942. Both represent the company's late-period floral matte glaze production. The market for mid-20th-century American art pottery like Roseville is highly pattern-dependent.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
This valuation assumes standard vintage condition with no major chips, cracks, or repairs. Crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) is common for Roseville of this era and is generally accepted by collectors, though severe staining, mineral deposits from water use, or structural damage would significantly reduce value.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for mid-20th-century American art pottery like Roseville is highly pattern-dependent. Highly sought-after lines like Water Lily or Pine Cone maintain strong collector interest and higher price points, particularly for specialty forms like hanging baskets. Conversely, smaller standard forms in common patterns like Peony see softer demand and trade primarily as decorative vintage accents rather than high-end collectibles.
Value Drivers
▲ Authentic Roseville USA raised mark confirms mid-century American art pottery origins.
▲ Water Lily pattern (if confirmed) is highly collectible and commands a premium.
▲ Hanging basket forms generally yield higher prices than standard small jardinieres.
Concerns
▼ Pattern and shape number discrepancy — '661-3' indicates Peony, while the description claims Water Lily.
▼ Unverified condition — any hidden chips, hairlines, or repairs would reduce the value significantly.
▼ Missing original hanging chains (if a basket) can slightly reduce buyer appeal.
Best Venue
Clarify the pattern and form visually before listing. If the piece is a Peony jardiniere (shape 661-3), list on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a $45 Buy-It-Now price. If it is indeed a Water Lily hanging basket, it warrants a higher listing price near $175-$195, targeting dedicated art pottery collectors.
Upside Potential
If the piece is confirmed visually as a pristine Water Lily hanging basket (shape 468-5) rather than the smaller Peony jardiniere, and retains its original hanging chains, it can confidently realize the high end of the $175-$195 range.
Authenticity Risk
mediumRoseville pottery is frequently reproduced. The mismatch between the described pattern (Water Lily) and the reported shape number (661-3, which is Peony) raises a moderate flag, as reproductions sometimes mix marks and molds. However, this is often just a simple seller misidentification of an authentic piece. Visual confirmation of the clay color (which should be yellowish) and glaze quality is recommended to fully verify authenticity.