Catalina Island Pottery Appraisal

Catalina Island Pottery Toyon Blue Water Pitcher

This is a vintage ceramic pitcher produced by Catalina Island Pottery, likely dating between 1927 and 1937. The piece is finished in 'Toyon Blue,' a signature satin-matte glaze characteristic of the early California pottery movement. The pitcher features a bulbous, rounded body that tapers slightly toward a footed base, with a wide rim and a prominent, gracefully curved pouring spout. The large C-shaped handle is well-integrated into the body and rim for structural stability. Hand-crafted from the island's native red clay (discernible at the unglazed base edge), the construction demonstrates the sturdy, heavy feel associated with high-quality early 20th-century art ware. The glaze application appears uniform and rich, displaying the subtle 'eggshell' texture sought by collectors. While the base is hidden in the primary view, these pieces are frequently impressed with 'CATALINA' or 'CATALINA ISLAND' block letter marks. The overall condition appears excellent with no visible cracks, large chips, or significant crazing, though minor shelf wear at the foot and small manufacturing pinholes in the glaze are standard for this era. Its Art Deco-influenced silhouette and coastal color palette make it a prime example of Monterey Peninsula decorative arts.