Hand-Painted Porcelain Rose Vase by Irene Burgess

This is a fine porcelain squat-style or 'bulbous' vase, characterized by its rounded, low-profile body and a narrow, gold-gilded rim. The piece features a high-quality hand-painted floral design consisting of lush, deep red and burgundy roses interspersed with soft green foliage. The background is executed in a delicate pale green wash that creates a hazy, romantic atmosphere typical of early 20th-century floral porcelain art. A prominent artist's signature, 'Irene Burgess,' is visible on the upper shoulder of the vase, accompanied by the date '1915,' which firmly places the piece in the early modern era. The craftsmanship exhibits sophisticated brushwork with subtle shading that gives the rose petals a three-dimensional appearance. The interior is glazed white and appears to be in good condition. Notable condition observations include minor shelf wear on the base and slight age-related thinning of the gold gilt around the collar. There are no immediate signs of cracks, chips, or professional restoration, preserving its original integrity. The combination of the artist's signature and the dated year makes this a significant piece for collectors of hand-painted American or European porcelain studio work from the early 1900s.

I have virtually examined this bulbous hand-painted porcelain vase signed 'Irene Burgess' and dated '1915.' The piece is an excellent exemplar of the early 20th-century studio porcelain movement. The execution of the 'burgundy rose' motif demonstrates superior skill in wet-on-wet blending and tonal depth, characteristic of the era's peak floral naturalism. The presence of both a signature and a specific date significantly enhances its desirability; documented pieces from this period facilitate easier cataloging for collectors of American or European china painting. The condition appears to be 'Fine,' with the minor gilt thinning and shelf wear being consistent with its age and not detracting from its display value. Market demand for hand-painted porcelain remains stable for high-quality, artist-signed pieces, though it has softened from its peak in the late 1990s. Comparables for signed floral studio work of this size and quality typically realize between $400 and $700 at specialized decorative arts auctions. The primary value driver here is the artistic provenance provided by the Burgess signature. However, please note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A formal authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify the glaze consistency under UV light (to detect hidden repairs) and to confirm the tactile quality of the porcelain blank. Documentation of provenance or an original bill of sale would further solidify the valuation. Without physical handling, the possibility of high-quality professional restoration cannot be entirely ruled out.