Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Modern Style Studio Pottery Vase

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a striking, hand-thrown ceramic art vase featuring a bold, tri-color glaze design in shades of teal, seafoam, and white. Its elegant ovoid form tapers beautifully to a flared rim, showcasing a wonderful balance of organic shape and graphic, modernist glaze application.

Story

Mid-century modern design revolutionized how we live, bringing bold abstract art off the gallery walls and directly onto our tabletops. This vase captures that exact spirit, turning a simple functional vessel into a canvas of expressive, hand-painted color blocks.

Maker / Origin

While the specific maker of this piece is currently unidentified, it belongs to the rich tradition of studio pottery. In this movement, individual artisans rejected mass production to focus on unique, hand-thrown forms where the touch of the maker's hand remains visible in the clay.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major glaze wear. The glaze retains a beautiful, vibrant luster. Excellent condition helps secure the higher end of the value range. Value for unsigned studio pottery is driven primarily by decorative appeal and size.

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 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.