Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This vivid piece is an authentic Frankoma Pottery leaf dish, mold number 225, featuring their iconic, fiery red glaze over dark clay. Molded in a stylized, organic leaf form with raised vein details, it served double duty as a catchall or large novelty ashtray in mid-century American homes.
Story
Founded in 1933 by Oklahoma University ceramics professor John Frank, Frankoma brought high-design studio art to suburban coffee tables. The rich terracotta tone comes from local Ada and Sapulpa clay, which reacts dramatically with top glazes to create this signature two-tone depth.
Maker / Origin
John Frank studied under master ceramicists at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to Oklahoma to establish the state's ceramic arts department. He launched Frankoma during the Great Depression with the radical belief that handmade, beautiful pottery should be affordable to ordinary working families.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in very good vintage condition with bright glaze finish and clear 'FRANKOMA 225' bottom mark. Minor shelf wear on the unglazed foot pads. Pristine condition maintains maximum collectible value. Driven by popular demand for mid-century Frankoma tableware and decorative accents.
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.