Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A fine American hand-decorated porcelain shaker featuring a vibrant turquoise glaze and intricate 24k gold-encrusted floral motifs. This piece represents the pinnacle of the American 'China Painting' movement, where blank porcelain from Europe was transformed by master decorators in Chicago.
Story
Wilder Pickard founded his studio in 1894, recruiting the finest European artists to Chicago. During the 1920s, these shakers weren't just kitchen tools; they were status symbols of the 'Gilded Age' dining table.
Maker / Origin
Pickard China is legendary for its 'all-over gold' technique and is one of the few American porcelain companies to survive for over a century. They eventually became so prestigious that they were selected to produce the official service for Air Force One and United States Embassies worldwide.
Condition & Value
The gold on the top handle appears well-preserved with minimal rubbing. There is some slight wear to the gold filigree on the turquoise body; significant loss of gold would reduce the value by 50%.
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.