Preliminary identification

Lenox Fine Porcelain 'The Bluebirds of Summer' Bud Vase

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

An elegant ivory porcelain bud vase featuring a pair of hand-decorated bluebirds nestled among pink lilies. This slender, classic form is accented with 24-karat gold trim at the rim and base, and is presented in its original gold-lined presentation box with its certificate of authenticity.

Story

In the late 20th century, Lenox captured the hearts of nature lovers with their exquisite garden bird collections. This piece brought the vibrant, hopeful colors of the American bluebird directly into the elegant, formal spaces of the home.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1889 by Walter Scott Lenox, the company set out to create the finest American porcelain, eventually becoming the first American china to be used in the White House. By the late 20th century, Lenox expanded its artistry into highly collectible, themed decorative art pieces that combined their signature warm ivory glaze with detailed naturalistic illustrations.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in mint, unused condition with no visible chips, cracks, or wear to the gold gilding. The original presentation box shows minor shelf wear but remains structurally sound. Excellent condition with original packaging commands the higher end of the value range.

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
$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.