Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic mid-century matte black spherical flower bowl featuring an integrated ceramic flower frog at its base. The minimalist, satin-black glaze highlights the clean, bulbous form, making it a wonderful example of functional American art pottery.
Story
During the 1940s, American households embraced the Japanese art of Ikebana flower arranging. McCoy designed this clever bowl with a built-in spiked 'frog' at the bottom, allowing homemakers to easily secure dramatic, minimalist floral stems.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1910 in Roseville, Ohio, the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company became a cornerstone of American utilitarian and decorative ceramics. Known for their highly collectible, whimsical cookie jars and functional planters, McCoy captured the changing tastes of the American middle class for decades.
Condition & Value
The exterior shows minor surface scuffs and light scratches consistent with age and use. The underside shows typical glaze shelf wear and minor chipping around the unglazed foot ring, which does not affect display. The interior shows some mineral residue from water use, but the built-in frog appears intact.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.