Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a contemporary matte black ceramic storage canister featuring a colorful, raised-relief Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) sugar skull cat design. It comes complete with a natural light wood lid, blending modern home decor trends with traditional Mexican folk art motifs.
Story
Created in 2022, this piece blends the ancient Mesoamerican tradition of honoring departed souls with modern kitchen aesthetics. The sugar skull cat design represents the spiritual guides, or 'alebrijes', believed to accompany loved ones in the afterlife.
Maker / Origin
Eli + Ana is a contemporary lifestyle brand known for producing whimsical, folk-art-inspired kitchenware and home decor. While their designs mimic the look of studio pottery, they are produced in larger quantities to bring accessible, cheerful art into everyday homes.
Condition & Value
The canister appears to be in excellent, like-new condition with no visible chips, cracks, or fading to the glaze. The wooden lid shows clean edges and a smooth finish. Excellent condition helps retain its maximum retail decorative value. This is a mass-market contemporary item rather than an antique.
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.