Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a bulbous, hand-finished ceramic planter featuring a rich amber-brown body crowned with a frothy, cream-and-gold drip glaze around the rim. The base shows firing stilt marks and a stamped mold or style number ('7-dU' or similar upside-down), characteristic of mid-century American commercial art potteries.
Story
Ohio river valley potters in the 1930s mastered the art of controlled glaze runs to create unique decorative ware at affordable prices. The frothy rim foam effect occurred naturally as heavy lead-alkali glazes reacted to intense kiln heat.
Maker / Origin
During the early-to-mid 20th century, companies like McCoy, Brush-McCoy, and Hull transformed Zanesville, Ohio into the pottery capital of America. They specialized in utility and decorative wares, using local clay deposits and innovative glaze formulas that made every mass-produced piece feel individually handcrafted.
Condition & Value
The exterior glaze exhibits good gloss and vibrant coloration. Internal mineral staining and minor glaze crazing are visible inside the bowl from prior floral or soil use. Condition is typical for vintage pottery and does not significantly impair display value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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.