Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic mid-century American art pottery planter featuring a rich, bulbous form decorated with a warm caramel-brown base glaze. The rim is accented with a frothy, cream-and-gold drip glaze that cascades down the shoulders, creating a unique, organic pattern on every piece.
Story
During the post-war suburban boom, American living rooms were transformed into indoor gardens. This planter was designed in Ohio specifically to bring the natural world inside, serving as a stylish home for the newly popular houseplant craze.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1910 in Roseville, Ohio, the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company became a cornerstone of American utilitarian and decorative ceramics. Renowned for their highly collectible, functional, and colorful glazes, McCoy pieces defined the everyday aesthetic of mid-century American households.
Condition & Value
The planter is in good vintage condition with beautiful glaze crazing consistent with age. There is some typical mineral residue and light staining on the interior from historical use with soil, which is common and does not significantly hurt the value. No major chips or cracks are visible.
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.