Van Briggle Bud Vase Value Guide

This miniature hand-thrown bud vase is a quintessential example of Van Briggle's mid-century production, showcasing the signature Ming Turquoise matte glaze perfected by founder Artus Van Briggle. As a product of the oldest continuously operating art pottery in the United States, these pieces represent a legacy of Art Nouveau influence and technical mastery in satin-matte finishes.

What affects the value of Van Briggle Bud Vase?

• Condition of the Ming Turquoise glaze, specifically looking for chips, cracks, or calcium deposits from water use.
• Clarity and completeness of the hand-incised bottom markings and the 'AA' logo.
• Uniformity of the matte finish, as uneven firing can lead to 'dry' spots that may decrease collector interest.
• The presence of the original hand-thrown throwing rings, which confirm the piece was not slip-cast in a mold.

How to Identify Van Briggle Bud Vase?

• Look for the incised 'AA' logo on the base, which stands for Artus and Anne Van Briggle.
• Check for the distinctive 'Van Briggle' and 'Colo. Spgs.' hand-incised marks typical of the 1940-1960 era.
• Examine the glaze for the trademark satin-matte texture that lacks the high-gloss shine of mass-produced imitations.
• Verify the clay color; pieces from this period often feature a darker clay body visible at the unglazed foot.

History of Van Briggle Bud Vase

Artus Van Briggle, a former decorator for Rookwood Pottery, founded the Van Briggle Pottery in Colorado Springs in 1901. He was a master of the Art Nouveau style and spent years perfecting the satin-matte glazes that became the company's trademark. Despite Artus's early death from tuberculosis in 1904, the pottery continued for over a century, becoming the oldest continuously operating art pottery in the United States until its recent transition to a private studio.