1Identify

Preliminary identification

Sascha Brastoff Marbled Ceramic Cup, c.1950s

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a quintessential piece of California Mid-Century Modernism, featuring the signature marbled glaze and avant-garde silhouette that defined Sascha Brastoff's studio.

Story

Sascha Brastoff was not just a potter; he was a costume designer, a dancer, and a larger-than-life personality who counted Winthrop Rockefeller among his financial backers.

Maker / Origin

Born Samuel Brastoff, Sascha was a true Renaissance man who served in the Air Force during WWII, performing in drag for the troops before moving to Hollywood.

Condition & Value

The photos show some crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), which is very common for Brastoff pieces of this age due to the specific clay bodies used. While Brastoff's large-scale vases and sculptures can fetch thousands, individual coffee cups or mugs are accessible entry points for collectors.

Research

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