Preliminary identification

Royal Hickman Pottery Blue Glaze Vase, No. 542

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautiful mid-century studio art pottery vase designed by the renowned American designer Royal Hickman. It features a striking, mottled sky-blue glaze that pools elegantly around the shoulder and tapers down to a soft, speckled finish. The underside bears the clear incised mark 'ROYAL HICKMAN' alongside the design number '542'.

Story

In the 1940s, designer Royal Hickman brought a bold, modern sensibility to American ceramics. This vase, with its fluid form and atmospheric blue glaze, captures the transition from Art Deco structure to organic mid-century modernism.

Maker / Origin

Royal Arden Hickman (1893–1969) was an incredibly versatile American designer, sculptor, and artist. He is perhaps most famous for establishing 'Royal Haeger' for the Haeger Potteries company, where his sleek, stylized animal figurines and elegant artware became icons of mid-century design.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in very good vintage condition with no major chips or cracks visible on the body. There is a tiny glaze skip or minor nick on the top rim, and typical light shelf wear on the unglazed bottom foot. Excellent condition with no rim damage commands the top end of the value range.

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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.