Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant, hand-thrown porcelain mug featuring intricate sgraffito carving through a dark slip to reveal the white clay body beneath. The piece is characterized by its bold mid-century modern aesthetic, featuring a high-contrast orange interior and a sculptural turquoise handle.
Story
Born from the vibrant American art fair circuit, this mug represents the intersection of functional craft and graphic design. Each line is hand-carved, ensuring no two vessels from Conlon's studio are ever truly identical.
Maker / Origin
Matt Conlon is a contemporary ceramicist known for his 'graphic' approach to clay, often blending mid-century illustration styles with traditional pottery techniques. His work is celebrated for its tactile nature and the use of high-fire porcelain that provides a crisp canvas for his signature sgraffito work.
Condition & Value
The mug appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The vibrant orange glaze remains glossy and the sgraffito lines are sharp. Excellent condition is standard for contemporary functional pieces.
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.