Overview
A whimsical and functional ceramic 'flower frog' designed to hold floral stems, featuring five huddled songbirds with hand-painted details.
Preliminary identification
Mid-Century Ceramic Five-Bird Flower Frog
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Post-war households in the 1950s were obsessed with 'bringing the outdoors in,' a trend that turned functional garden tools into adorable works of art.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, pieces of this style were typically produced in the ceramic centers of Japan during the post-WWII export boom.
Condition & Value
The glaze appears vibrant and well-preserved. The most critical areas are the tips of the beaks and the tails, which are prone to 'flea bites' or small chips; based on the photos, the integrity of the figures looks excellent. Such preservation adds to its charm and utility.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD