High Relief Vase Appraisal

Studio Pottery Bulbous Vase with High-Relief Lily and Hummingbird

This is a hand-crafted ceramic studio pottery vase featuring a bulbous body that tapers into a wide, flared neck. The piece is finished in a multi-toned, speckled celadon and beige glaze with a semi-gloss sheen. A significant feature is the high-relief, sculptural application of a large lily flower and a hummingbird on the front. The lily is rendered with distinct petals, leaves, and stamens, while the hummingbird is depicted in mid-flight with its beak approaching the center of the bloom. The flora and fauna elements are glazed in a contrasting matte earth tone, appearing as terracotta or unglazed stoneware highlights. The construction suggests a late 20th-century aesthetic, likely originating from a boutique studio or an artisan production line. Notable condition observations include visible crazing in the glaze, which is common in older ceramic pieces, and a green price sticker numbered '8' on the belly. No immediate cracks or chips are visible on the exterior floral elements, though the high-relief nature of the design makes it prone to such damage. The craftsmanship shows a high degree of detail in the hand-molded clay attachments, reflecting a nature-inspired 'Organic Modern' style popular in mid-to-late 20th-century decorative arts.