Preliminary identification

Florence Ceramics 'Madonna' Figurine

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A graceful semi-porcelain devotional figurine featuring the signature 'Florence' aesthetic of elongated lines and delicate hand-painted features.

Story

Pasadena, California, became the unlikely heart of American decorative arts in the 1940s, as a community of 'garage potters' transformed the local industry.

Maker / Origin

Florence Ward was a self-taught artist who turned a personal hobby into a powerhouse of California design, eventually employing over 100 people in her Pasadena studio.

Condition & Value

The figurine appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips to the vulnerable fingertips or the edges of the veil. There is no significant 'rubbing' or loss to the gold luster, which often wears away with over-cleaning. Excellent condition like this is preferred by collectors.

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