Lady head vases – have you ever heard of them? If you are a collector, you are sure to have come across this unique vintage collectible. With their delicate features and beautiful flowers, these vases are highly sought after by collectors all over the world. But what are lady head vases and why are they so popular? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lady head vases.
What is a Head Vase?
Head vases are a type of ceramic vase that feature a woman’s head or face as the main design. The face is typically painted with delicate features, such as eyes, nose, and lips. The vase is designed in such a way that the woman’s head is the top of the vase and flowers are placed in the vase. The vases were first popularized in the 1950s and 60s by American giftware companies, such as Napco and Lefton. Most of these vases come in white porcelain with bright colors of flowers to create a contrast.
Lady Head Vases Price Guide
As with most collectibles, the value of lady head vases can vary drastically depending on several factors. Some vases may be worth only a few dollars while others can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions or sales. Here are some factors that can affect the value of a lady head vase:
- Condition – The vase’s condition is a crucial factor in determining its value. A vase in pristine condition with no chips, cracks, or damage will command a higher price than one in poor condition.
- Rarity – Vases that were produced in limited quantities or those that are not readily available are considered rare and will have a higher value.
- Maker – Vases made by well-known manufacturers such as Napco, Lefton, and Royal Copley are usually more valuable than those made by lesser-known companies.
It’s important to note that values of collections can change as the demand and interest in collecting them rise and fall.
What Do You Put in a Head Vase?
Lady head vases are designed to hold flowers, so this is undoubtedly the best choice. You can choose a bouquet of flowers for a more dramatic effect. Cloud-like baby’s breath flowers, light pink roses, and bright yellow sunflowers are an excellent choice. You can also use faux flowers if you prefer and add different colors to the vase based on your home décor.
How Much Are Head Vases Worth?
As mentioned, the value of these vases can vary greatly depending on several factors. A more common vase with no unique features or rarity from the 1950s could be worth anywhere between $20 to $50. Whereas the rarer vases from the 1940s, those that are figurine-shaped rather than solely vase-shaped, or vases with unique features such as jewelry or hand-painted designs could go for thousands. A price guide can only give a general idea of what a collector can expect to pay for a vase based on its condition, rarity, and maker. Still, it’s crucial to do research and find out the current market trend before bidding, selling, or purchasing.
Lady Head Vases History
Lady head vases were first produced in the mid-1940s in Japan after the end of World War II when the American occupation brought an end to the production of weapons. Japan, which was left with a surplus of creative talent, made decorative goods to meet the demands of the U.S. market. Lady head vases became popular with American women, and soon they were being produced in large quantities. In the 1950s and 60s, these vases were at the peak of their popularity, and American companies such as Napco and Lefton began to produce them. The vases were produced in various sizes, with different flowers, or other unique features added, with a peak popularity through the 50s and 60s.
Vintage Lady Head Vases for Sale
Vintage lady head vases can be challenging to find as they are highly sought after by collectors. The best places to look for them are in specialty antique shops, vintage shops or estate sales. You can also find them on sites like Ebay, Etsy, and Mercari, or in online lady head vase collectors groups on Facebook. It’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure that you’re buying a genuine vintage vase. Still, keep in mind that sometimes even experts can mistake fake pieces as real, so be cautious.
Vintage Head Vases for Sale
Head vases remain in demand on online auction platforms like eBay and collectors groups on Facebook. Searching for vintage head vases will introduce buyers to hundreds of old, unique designs that can be perfect for collectors. At times, you will find collections such as groupings of a collection of various Lady Head vases.
What Were Lady Head Vases Used For?
Lady head vases were primarily made as decorative pieces for households. They were considered a luxurious item and were displayed in prominent locations like mantelpieces and living room tables. It became a status symbol for the family that owned these vases. Women used these vases more as decoration rather than practical use with flowers to accent the room’s style.
Conclusion
Lady head vases are a unique collectible and a beautiful addition to any vintage collection or household. From their history to their value, the intricacies of each vase’s design can make collecting these pieces rewarding to those who carefully research and understand what they are collecting. Whether you’re a newbie collector or an expert, now you have a brief knowledge of what the head vases are, their history, how much they’re worth and how to find them. So start your search, and who knows, you may uncover a rare and valuable piece to add to your collection today.