Preliminary identification

Van Briggle Pottery 'Mountain Crag' Drip Glaze Vase, c. 1950s-1970s

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This ovoid ceramic vase features a deep chocolate-brown high-gloss glaze topped with a dramatic, frothy white 'drip' glaze at the rim.

Story

Artus Van Briggle, a master artist for the famous Rookwood Pottery, moved to Colorado in 1899 in a desperate search for a climate that could soothe his tuberculosis.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1901, Van Briggle is legendary for its 'Dead Matte' glazes and its survival through the Great Depression by pivoting to more commercial but still hand-finished wares.

Condition & Value

The glaze appears exceptionally vibrant with no visible 'crazing' (fine cracks) or chips in the photos. The unglazed foot shows expected shelf wear consistent with age, which does not detract from the value. Excellent condition for this era of pottery.

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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 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD