Maurice of California Pottery Ashtray Value Guide

This Maurice of California ashtray is a quintessential example of the California Pottery movement, celebrated for its biomorphic leaf shape and experimental drip glazes. Produced during the 1960s, these pieces are highly collectible for their ability to capture the organic, earthy aesthetic of post-war American suburban decor.

What affects the value of Maurice of California Pottery Ashtray?

• Condition is paramount; chips or hairline cracks in the brittle ceramic significantly reduce the $45-$50 market value.
• The vibrancy and complexity of the drip glaze pattern, as more dramatic color transitions are more desirable to MCM collectors.
• The presence of a clear, legible manufacturer's mark on the underside to prove its California origin.
• Size and scale, with larger multi-well leaf designs generally commanding the higher end of the price spectrum.

How to Identify Maurice of California Pottery Ashtray?

• Look for the 'Maurice of Calif' or 'Maurice of California' incised mark or raised stamp on the unglazed base.
• Examine the glaze for the signature 1960s multi-tonal drip effect, typically featuring deep ambers and olive greens.
• Verify the biomorphic leaf silhouette, which should feature fluid, asymmetric curves characteristic of Mid-Century Modern design.
• Check for the specific model numbers often stamped alongside the maker's mark on the bottom of the ceramic body.

History of Maurice of California Pottery Ashtray

Maurice of California was a prominent producer of giftware and decorative ceramics during the Mid-Century Modern era. Known for their experimental drip glazes and organic shapes, they became a staple of 'California Pottery,' a movement that defined American suburban decor in the 1950s and 60s. This specific style, with its deep ambers and olive greens, was designed to complement the earthy tones popular in post-war interior design.