Dalista Multicolor Mid-Century Modern Oval Shaped Home Decorative Tabletop Vase Appraisal
Category: Vase
Description
This distinctive decorative tabletop vase, identified as a "Dalista Multicolor Mid-Century Modern Oval Shaped Home Decorative Tabletop Vase," showcases a unique mosaic-like surface. Physically, it presents an oval silhouette, subtly tapering from a broader top to a slightly narrower base, with an undulating and organic top rim that deviates from perfect symmetry. The primary characteristic of this vase is its intricate exterior, constructed from countless irregularly shaped, polished fragments, which strongly resemble iridescent mother-of-pearl or abalone shell. These pieces, varying in size and shape, are meticulously arranged and adhered to the vase's underlying form, creating a visually textured and multi-dimensional surface. The iridescence of the shell fragments produces a captivating play of colors, shifting between lustrous silvers, deep grays, warm browns, and subtle hints of blues, greens, and purples depending on the angle of light and viewing perspective – hence the "multicolor" designation. Dark lines, likely grout or adhesive, delineate each individual shell piece, adding to the mosaic effect. Its design aligns with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, emphasizing natural materials and abstract or organic forms. From the provided image, the vase appears to be in excellent visible condition, with no apparent damage such as chips, cracks, or missing shell fragments, and maintains its original luster. The precise fitting of the shell fragments indicates careful craftsmanship, making it a unique and striking decorative accent piece.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination of the images provided, this Dalista multicolor tabletop vase presents as a fine example of Mid-Century Modern-inspired decorative art. The piece is in excellent apparent condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or loss to the mosaic surface. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, evidenced by the tight fit and intricate arrangement of the iridescent shell fragments, which create a captivating play of color and light. While the design is consistent with the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, the name "Dalista" does not correspond to a widely recognized high-end designer from that period, suggesting this is likely a contemporary piece inspired by that style rather than a vintage original. Market comparables for similar contemporary mosaic shell vases of this size and quality typically place them in the decorative home goods category. The value is driven primarily by its aesthetic appeal and decorative function rather than by specific artist recognition or historical rarity. Demand for well-made, visually striking décor like this is consistent in the secondary market. A definitive authentication would require physical inspection to identify any maker's marks, analyze the materials (base structure, adhesive), and assess the true quality of the shell used. Without provenance or physical marks, its value is as a highly decorative, contemporary object.
Appraisal Value
$60 - $90