Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a striking semi-gloss, pale gray-blue glazed ceramic vase featuring a classic Art Deco geometric silhouette. It showcases a stepped, fan-like body accented by stylized scroll handles and a ribbed pedestal base, embodying the machine-age elegance of mid-century American art pottery.
Story
During the Great Depression, Minnesota's Red Wing Potteries survived by shifting from utilitarian stoneware jugs to elegant, affordable art pottery. This architectural vase brought high-style metropolitan design directly into everyday American living rooms.
Maker / Origin
Originally founded in 1878, Red Wing Potteries became famous for its stoneware before transitioning to art pottery in the late 1920s under the creative direction of visionary designers like Belle Kogan and Charles Murphy. Their innovative, sculptural designs helped the company weather economic crises and redefine American ceramic style.
Condition & Value
The vase shows light surface wear and typical shelf grime on the unglazed bottom rim, but appears free of major chips, cracks, or crazing. Excellent condition like this preserves the maximum value of mid-century art pottery. Value is driven by the popularity of the Art Deco form and the collectibility of Red Wing art pottery.
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.