Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A whimsical, hand-painted studio art pottery bowl featuring an stylized, spotted cat perched in a tree branch surrounded by butterflies and foliage. The piece is finished with a crackle glaze and soft underglaze washes of turquoise, purple, and brown.
Story
Created in 1990, this bowl captures the playful spirit of late 20th-century American studio craft. The stylized, spotted cat and geometric butterflies reflect a joyful, illustrative approach to functional ceramics.
Maker / Origin
The bowl is signed on the underside 'R.S. Mitchell' and dated '90'. This represents the work of an independent studio potter active in the late 20th century, a period when regional craft guilds and art fairs flourished across North America.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. The extensive crazing is a characteristic of the crackle glaze used by the artist rather than damage, though it should be handled gently. Excellent condition preserves its full decorative value.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.