Roblin: San Francisco's Rare Art Pottery
Roblin Art Pottery was a small, short-lived studio pottery operating in San Francisco, California, from 1898 to 1906, when the great earthquake and fire destroyed the pottery and all its molds. Founded by Alexander W. Robertson (formerly of the Chelsea Keramic Art Works and Dedham Pottery in Massachusetts) and Linna Irelan, the name "Roblin" combines syllables from their surnames (Robertson + Irelan). The pottery's brief existence and catastrophic end make surviving pieces exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors of American art pottery.
Characteristics
Roblin pieces are typically small in scale -- vases, bowls, cups, and miniature forms rarely exceeding 6 inches in height. Robertson applied his mastery of glazes developed at Chelsea and Dedham, producing rich oxblood (sang de boeuf) reds, matte greens, bisque finishes, and experimental glaze effects. Forms are often inspired by natural shapes, with some pieces featuring applied or modeled lizards, mushrooms, or organic textures. Irelan specialized in bisque-fired pieces with modeled details.
Identification and Marks
Pieces are marked with an incised or stamped bear (the California state symbol), often accompanied by "ROBLIN" or "R.A.P." (Roblin Art Pottery). Some early pieces bear Robertson's personal mark. The bear mark is the most reliable identifier. Due to the rarity of Roblin, any marked piece warrants careful examination and expert verification.
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small bisque vases | $500 - $1,500 | $3,000 for modeled decoration |
| Glazed miniature vases | $800 - $2,500 | $5,000+ for oxblood glaze |
| Pieces with applied figures (lizards) | $2,000 - $6,000 | $10,000+ for exceptional examples |
| Bowls and dishes | $400 - $1,200 | $2,500 for unusual glazes |
| Documented Robertson pieces | $1,500 - $5,000 | $8,000+ for important forms |
Condition Factors
Given the extreme rarity of Roblin, even pieces with minor condition issues retain significant value. Small chips or glaze flakes reduce value less than they would for more common potteries. However, structural damage (cracks, significant chips, or repairs) still impacts desirability. The mark should be clear and legible. Bisque pieces should be examined for later application of glaze or paint, which would constitute alteration.
Collecting Tips
Roblin is among the rarest American art potteries, and genuine pieces seldom appear at auction. When they do, competition is fierce among serious California pottery collectors and American art pottery specialists. Familiarize yourself with Robertson's earlier Chelsea and Dedham work to understand his aesthetic evolution. Any Roblin piece offered for sale should be thoroughly vetted -- the rarity makes authentication essential. Museum collections with Roblin examples include the Oakland Museum of California. The pottery's connection to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake adds historical poignancy that enhances collector interest.