Ceramic Decor Appraisal

Vintage Ceramic Cornucopia with Faux Fruit and Nuts

This item is a vintage ceramic cornucopia, or horn of plenty, overflowing with an assortment of realistically rendered faux fruit and nuts. The cornucopia itself is a light beige or cream-colored ceramic, featuring a smooth, glazed finish. Its shape is true to a cornucopia, wide at the mouth and tapering to a curled, scrolled tip at the narrower end. The ceramic appears to be in good condition with no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant wear, suggesting careful handling or display over time. Inside, the vessel is filled with a variety of sculpted and painted fruit and nut pieces, likely made from plaster, resin, or another dense material. The individual pieces include what appear to be bananas, grapes (both dark purple and lighter green/blue), various types of nuts in their shells (such as walnuts, pecans, and what look like peanuts), and other small fruits like an apple or citrus fruit, and possibly even a potato or guava. The colors of the faux produce are vivid and varied, ranging from bright yellow bananas and green apples to deep browns of walnuts and reddish-browns of other nuts. Some pieces, like the bananas, show a subtle sheen, while others, like the nuts, have a more matte or textured finish, aiming for realism. The craftsmanship of the individual faux food items varies; some depict fine details like the texture of nut shells or grape skins, while others are more generalized. The overall effect is decorative and abundant, characteristic of mid-20th-century home decor. This piece likely dates from the mid-century to late 20th century, given its style and the prevalent use of such decorative items during that period. No specific manufacturer's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image.