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.