Overview
The piece is definitively identified by the clear printed factory mark on the base: 'Royal Tara / Fine Bone China / Handpainted in Ireland'. Royal Tara operated in Galway from 1953 until 2003.
Identification
Royal Tara Hand-Painted Geometric Hexagonal Bone China Vase
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Manufactured by Royal Tara Fine Bone China in Galway, Ireland, which operated from 1953 until its closure in 2003. While famous for traditional Celtic motifs, the factory experimented with contemporary, postmodern designs in the late 1990s. The 'MH' or '98 MH' decorator marks are closely associated with these specific sponged, marbled, and geometric lines, often attributed to decorator Bridie McHugh.
Maker / Origin
Royal Tara
Condition & Value
No explicit condition report or detailed rim photos were provided, so the valuation assumes standard pre-owned condition with no major defects. The sponged glaze technique can sometimes mask surface scratches, making physical inspection of the glaze crucial.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for late 20th-century Irish bone china is generally soft, with traditional floral and shamrock patterns trading at entry-level prices. However, rare postmodern or abstract designs from established factories attract a niche, design-focused collector base. These pieces trade primarily on online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, appealing to contemporary decor buyers rather than traditional antique porcelain collectors.
Value Drivers
▲ Rare postmodern geometric design sets it apart from common traditional Royal Tara patterns.
▲ Hand-painted gold luster accents elevate the decorative appeal.
▲ Clear factory marks confirm authenticity and Irish origin.
Concerns
▼ Unverified dimensions — if the vase is a miniature (under 5 inches), the estimate drops toward the $30-$40 range.
▼ Unverified condition of the gold luster — rubbing or wear to the gilding would discount the piece.
▼ Lack of explicit condition report regarding rim chips or hairlines, which are common vulnerabilities in hexagonal forms.
Best Venue
List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy, targeting buyers of postmodern decor. Ensure the listing title includes keywords like 'Postmodern,' 'Geometric,' 'Bridie McHugh,' and 'Sponged Glaze' to differentiate it from traditional Royal Tara wares. Provide clear, well-lit photos of the rim, base, and any gold detailing, along with exact measurements.
Upside Potential
If the vase is exceptionally large (over 10 inches) and confirmed to be in pristine condition with zero wear to the gold luster, it could reach the $80-$100 range to a motivated postmodern decor buyer.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
- Vtg Royal Tara Vase Hand painted Bridie McHugh Bone China Green Marble IrelandLink could not be verified.$48
- Vintage Royal Tara Ireland Fine Bone China Sugar Creamer Cake Serving Plate Set- 3 PiecesSugar, creamer, and plate set; completely different form from a vase.$42
- Rare Royal Tara "Green Marble" tall cup, bone china, hand painted, green and gold, Ireland, Irish, Bridie McHugh, BMcH, porcelain, natureTall cup; completely different form from a vase.No price