Preliminary identification

California Art Pottery Lobed Footed Bowl, c. 1940s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A vibrant mustard-yellow glazed ceramic centerpiece bowl featuring a distinctive lobed or 'cloud' rim and three integrated feet.

Story

California potters in the 1930s and 40s revolutionized the American home by moving away from formal white china toward 'living in color.' This bowl was designed to be a functional centerpiece, likely intended to hold seasonal fruit or floating camellias in a…

Maker / Origin

While this piece lacks a visible factory stamp, its form and glaze are highly consistent with the 'Big Five' California potteries like Bauer or Garden City.

Condition & Value

The glaze shows significant crazing (fine lines) throughout, which is typical for California pottery of this age and does not significantly hurt value. There are some minor surface scuffs and what appears to be a small production flaw on the interior. Overall, it presents well as a vintage decorative object.

Full Research

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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