Preliminary identification

Hull Pottery Water Lily Cornucopia Vase (Style L-15)

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a beautiful mid-century art pottery cornucopia vase featuring Hull's iconic pastel color-blending technique. It showcases a soft, matte glaze that transitions from a delicate baby blue on the exterior to a warm, dusty pink on the interior. The base is accented with a stylized, swirling water lily leaf motif that anchors the elegant, horn-of-plenty silhouette.

Story

In 1950, a devastating flood and fire destroyed the Hull factory, making these pre-1950 matte-glazed pieces highly coveted. They represent the peak of Ohio's clay-valley craftsmanship before production shifted to glossy glazes.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1905 by Addis Emmet Hull, the Hull Pottery Company became one of America's most beloved art pottery producers. They survived the Great Depression by pivoting from utilitarian stoneware to highly decorative, floral-themed art pottery. Their signature pastel matte glazes of the 1940s became their most enduring legacy, defining the look of post-war American homes.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in very good vintage condition with no obvious chips or cracks visible on the delicate flared rim or the scrolled base. However, matte glazes from this era are highly prone to faint pencil-like scuffs and internal crazing, which should be checked under direct light.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.