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Preliminary identification

Howard Pierce Mid-Century Modern Figurines, c. 1950s-1960s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A trio of stylized ceramic figurines featuring Howard Pierce's signature biomorphic, minimalist forms and textured white glaze.

Story

Howard Pierce began his artistic journey in a small garage in Claremont, California, in 1941, with a vision to bring high-art aesthetics into the average American home.

Maker / Origin

Howard Pierce was a true 'lone wolf' of the California pottery scene, handling every stage of production from the original hand-carved model to the final firing.

Condition & Value

The figurines appear to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. The matte, textured glaze is prone to picking up surface dirt or oils over time, but these examples look remarkably clean. Maintaining the integrity of the silhouette is key, as even a small chip on these minimalist forms is highly noticeable.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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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