Overview
A hand-altered terracotta vessel featuring a grotesque, expressive feline face with a wide-open mouth and protruding tongue.
Preliminary identification
Whimsical Studio Pottery 'Ugly Face' Cat Bell, c. 1970s-1990s
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Southern folk art has a long, storied tradition of 'face jugs,' originally designed to be so ugly they would scare children away from dangerous liquids or keep evil spirits at bay.
Maker / Origin
While the specific maker is not identified by a visible mark, this piece belongs to the tradition of 'outsider' or studio folk art.
Condition & Value
The piece appears to be in good vintage condition with a natural patina on the copper wire. There is some minor surface scuffing consistent with terracotta, but no visible structural cracks or major chips. Excellent preservation of the delicate tongue and ear tips.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD