Thrift Store Pottery Finds

I love pottery and keep an eye out for vintage art pottery, Native American and OOAK artisan-made pieces. I’m fortunate that my neighborhood thrift store, though small, does get some interesting donations, some of which make it to the shelves!

These days I’m focusing mostly on smaller items (8″ and under) that are easier to store and ship, but sometimes I have to say yes to larger pieces! This past week I definitely said yes to this Italian-made putti and grape decorated pot. It’s been used as a planter (I’ll give it a good soaking), but it doesn’t have a drainage hole.

Wouldn’t this be fun to use as a wine cooler at a summer party or in the kitchen to hold rolled-up napkins, lemons, or ??

I bought another Italian piece, this one a “Labor Deruta.” This particular piece, a caddy, likely came with containers for oil and vinegar. But it’s curious because I’m not finding any that are made with a crane/heron handle. None currently for sale or that have sold. I have searched for several hours now! Not sure what I’ll list this for. Possibly around $60.

Wouldn’t it be cute on a bar cart with olives, pearl onions or lemon and lime wedges?

I have sold several pieces from this company…

^{Ceramiche Labor Deruta is located in the Umbrian town of Deruta, Italy, which is famous in particular for its ceramics. Labor was founded in 1952 by Sante Pelli, and as is the case with many Italian artisans who make maiolica, the studio remains in the family. Pelli’s talents have been passed down to her daughters who continue to handcraft and hand-paint ceramics.} 

Bonechi Imports

I also bought this striking extra large calla lily vase. It’s a textured, slab piece and so organic. It looks intriguing without any branches or blooms.

It’s signed “HVP” on the bottom, but alas, alas, I doubt it’s for the illustrious potter Henry Varnum Poor. The signature and aesthetic aren’t quite right.

Additionally he died in 1970 and I believe this piece was likely made in late 1970s/early 1980s. The HVP could stand for the “Hudson Valley Pottery” or “Happy Valley Pottery” in Georgia. Perhaps. It’s likely I won’t be able to positively attribute this to one artist or company. Not sure yet what I’ll list it for!

I really liked these four sweet stoneware wine goblets with hand-painted thistles and bluebells. They have no maker’s mark but each has a different set of initials on the bottom (the artist’s most likely).

I did a bit of research and discovered these were made by Buchan Pottery in Scotland. The wine goblets are scarce with the mugs and plates being the most common. Back in 2011 a set of four Buchan goblets like mine sold for $162!

So just a few things and no home runs. No $500 pieces of mid-century Italian pottery. But a good collection of sellable bread-and-butter pieces. The lily vase will be long tail and may never sell, but I thought it was worth saving.

As always I need to keep focused on listing! It’s been a struggle because I use natural lighting for my photos and the dark, cloudy days are making it more difficult. The dreariness also zaps my energy.

Hope you are staying well and finding fabulous things!

Karen