Overview
A charming porcelain creamer featuring the iconic 'Zwiebelmuster' or Blue Onion pattern in a deep cobalt underglaze. This piece showcases a classic Rococo-revival shape with a scalloped rim and an elegant scroll handle.
Preliminary identification
Arnart 'Blue Onion' Porcelain Creamer, c. 1950s-1960s
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
The 'onions' depicted on this pitcher are actually a 300-year-old case of mistaken identity. When 18th-century European artists tried to copy Chinese porcelain, they mistook the exotic pomegranates and peaches—symbols of fertility and longevity—for common onions.
Maker / Origin
Arnart Imports was a New York-based company founded in 1953 that specialized in importing porcelain giftware, often from Japan.
Condition & Value
The piece appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The cobalt blue remains vibrant and the glaze is glossy. Maintaining this pristine state is key, as any damage to common mid-century porcelain typically removes its market value.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
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.
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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD