California Pottery Dog Appraisal

Vintage California USA Pottery Dog Shaped Ashtray

This is a vintage pottery ashtray, distinctly shaped like a dog, likely a poodle or similar breed with stylized, fluffy fur. It is crafted from ceramic or pottery and coated with a glossy, rich reddish-brown glaze, giving it a warm, earthy tone. The glaze appears somewhat mottled or textured, suggesting an intentional decorative effect rather than a perfectly smooth finish. The dog's form is blocky yet charmingly rendered, with a large, somewhat disproportionate head featuring raised, textured 'fur' details. The body is elongated, with the central portion hollowed out to form the ashtray's basin. There are no clear partitions for cigarette rests, suggesting it might be an open-basin ashtray or possibly designed for cigars. The legs are stubby and sturdy, providing a stable base. The overall construction appears solid, indicating reasonable durability. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear captured in this image, and the glossy finish appears intact. Based on the listing title, it's identified as 'Vintage California USA Pottery,' placing its origin in California, USA, and suggesting an age consistent with the mid-20th century, which aligns with the style of ceramic production from that era. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible from this angle, but the phrase 'SHOPGOODWILL' is watermarked on the image, indicating the source of the item's listing. The craftsmanship appears to be folk-art inspired or mass-produced vintage pottery typical of regional manufacturers.