Head Vases: Mid-Century Ceramic Lady Head Planters
Head vases are figural ceramic vases shaped as human heads or busts, designed to hold flowers, produced primarily from the late 1940s through the 1970s. Most commonly depicting glamorous women with styled hair, jewelry, and sometimes hats or gloves, head vases were inexpensive florist containers used for small arrangements. Produced mainly in Japan for the American market, with some notable American-made examples, these once-discarded floral accessories have become a vibrant collecting category since the 1980s.
History and Manufacturers
Head vases emerged after World War II as American florists sought attractive containers for small arrangements. Japanese export factories produced the vast majority, shipping them to importers and distributors in the United States. Key names in the market include:
- Inarco (International Artware Corporation, Cleveland, OH): Major importer/distributor, pieces marked with "Inarco" and a model number beginning with "E"
- Napco (National Potteries Corporation, Cleveland, OH): Another major importer with "Napco" backstamp and model numbers
- Relpo (Religious Products Company, Chicago, IL): Produced head vases alongside religious figurines
- Lefton (Geo. Zoltan Lefton Company, Chicago, IL): Quality Japanese imports with "Lefton" mark
- Enesco: Importer of numerous head vase designs
- Betty Lou Nichols (Los Angeles, CA): American studio potter who produced distinctive, high-quality head vases. These are among the most valuable.
- Holt Howard: Known for whimsical figural ceramics including head vases
Identification
- Most head vases carry a paper label or ink-stamped mark on the base identifying the importer/distributor
- Model numbers are essential for identification and valuation
- "Japan" or "Made in Japan" marks indicate post-WWII Japanese export production
- Size ranges from 4 inches (small) to 8+ inches (large); larger examples are generally more valuable
- Betty Lou Nichols pieces are typically signed on the base and feature distinctive high-gloss glazes and detailed modeling
- Period details like pearl earrings, gloved hands, styled hair, and eyelash detail help identify maker and era
Styles and Subjects
- Glamour ladies: The most common and collected type -- women with elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, and elegant poses
- Teenage girls: Younger-looking figures with ponytails, bows, and casual styling
- Madonna/religious: Virgin Mary and other religious figures
- Children and babies: Less common, depicting infant or child heads
- Men: Relatively rare; cowboys, pirates, and gentlemen
- Character and novelty: Animals, clowns, and holiday themes
Auction Price Ranges
| Type | Maker/Size | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard glamour lady (5-6") | Napco/Inarco | $25 - $75 |
| Large glamour lady (7-8"+) | Napco/Inarco | $60 - $200 |
| Lady with gloved hand | Various | $40 - $120 |
| Teenage girl with ponytail | Various | $20 - $60 |
| Betty Lou Nichols lady | Studio made | $200 - $800+ |
| Lady with real eyelashes | Japanese import | $50 - $150 |
| Man or boy head vase | Various | $30 - $100 |
| Jackie Kennedy-style | Various | $50 - $150 |
| Christmas/holiday theme | Various | $30 - $80 |
| Rare color or unusual pose | Various | $75 - $300+ |
Condition Factors
Head vases should be free of chips, cracks, and paint loss. The most vulnerable areas are noses, fingers (on hand-to-face poses), earrings, and hat brims. Applied decoration like flowers, bows, and jewelry should be intact. Original pearl earrings are frequently lost; replacement pearls are acceptable but original beads are preferred. Cold-painted details (eyelashes, lip color, beauty marks) may wear and are difficult to restore convincingly. Gold trim should be intact; worn gilt is a common issue. Interior water staining from use as a flower container is expected and does not significantly impact value.
Collecting Tips
- Larger head vases (7 inches and above) are consistently more valuable than smaller ones
- Ladies with applied hands, particularly gloved hands touching the face, are among the most desirable poses
- Betty Lou Nichols pieces are the premium American-made head vases and maintain strong values
- Original paper labels significantly aid identification; pieces retaining labels are preferred
- Sets or pairs of matching head vases are uncommon and worth a premium
- The market has a strong online presence; reference guides by Kathleen Cole and Mary Zavada are standard
- Head vases remain affordable and widely available, making them an approachable collecting category for newcomers
- Black-light (UV) inspection can reveal repairs and repainting that may not be visible in normal light