Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptional slip-painted art pottery vase from Weller's coveted 'Aurelian' line, featuring beautifully rendered yellow nasturtiums against a rich, dark underglaze. The base is clearly incised with the 'Aurelian Weller' signature, alongside shape numbers and an artist's initial.
Story
In the late 1890s, Ohio became the epicenter of a pottery revolution. Weller created the Aurelian line to compete directly with Rookwood's famous Standard Glaze, using rich slip-painting to mimic the depth of oil paintings.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Samuel A. Weller in 1872, Weller Pottery grew from a small log cabin operation into one of the largest art potteries in the world. Weller was famous for hiring brilliant, rebellious designers who constantly pushed the boundaries of ceramic glazes and hand-painted decoration.
Condition & Value
The vase shows beautiful color preservation and a strong glaze. There is typical fine age-crazing throughout the glaze layer and some minor surface abrasions near the top rim. Excellent overall condition with no visible cracks or major chips, which keeps the value toward the higher end of the range.
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.