Overview
A graceful semi-porcelain religious figurine featuring a stylized Madonna with elegant 22k gold leaf accents. This piece represents the 'California Pottery' movement, where traditional spiritual subjects were…
Preliminary identification
Florence Ceramics 'Madonna' Figurine, c. 1950
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Florence Ward started her ceramic empire in her Pasadena garage during the 1940s as a way to cope with personal grief, never imagining she would eventually lead a factory of over 100 employees.
Maker / Origin
Florence Ward was a self-taught artist whose 'Florence Ceramics' became a household name in the 1950s. While she is most famous for her incredibly complex 'lace' figurines—made by dipping real lace…
Condition & Value
The figurine appears to be in very good vintage condition with the gold luster remaining bright and intact. There is some expected shelf wear and minor staining on the unglazed foot rim. The presence of the faint 'Florence Ceramics' stamp on the bottom confirms its origin.
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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 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