Sascha Brastoff: Mid-Century California Ceramics and Design
Sascha Brastoff (1918-1993) was a versatile American artist and designer whose Los Angeles studio produced distinctive ceramics, enamelware, and decorative objects from 1947 through the 1960s. Known for bold, colorful designs featuring abstract patterns, horses, roosters, and other motifs, Brastoff's work epitomizes the exuberance of mid-century California design. His factory on West Olympic Boulevard at its peak employed over 100 workers.
History
- 1918: Born Sascha Brastoff in Cleveland, Ohio
- 1940s: Worked as a costume designer in Hollywood; served in WWII creating entertainment for troops
- 1947: Established his first ceramics studio in West Los Angeles
- 1953: Built a large factory/showroom on Olympic Boulevard with financial backing from Winthrop Rockefeller
- 1953-1963: Peak production period; produced ceramics, enamelware, resin, and metal accessories
- 1963: Sold the factory; continued designing under license
- 1993: Died in Los Angeles
Identification and Marks
- Full signature: "Sascha Brastoff" in script, typically on the front of the piece — indicates Brastoff personally decorated the piece
- Chanticleer mark: Rooster logo with "Sascha B" used on production pieces decorated by studio artists
- "Sascha B": Abbreviated mark on production pieces
- Gold backstamp: "Sascha Brastoff" printed in gold on some later pieces
- Matte vs. glossy: Both finishes used; the matte-finish pieces from the early period are often most prized
- Material identification: Ceramics, enamel on copper, resin, and metal were all produced
Types and Price Ranges
| Type | Description | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ashtray | Various designs, common form | $15 - $50 |
| Small bowl or dish | Abstract or figural decoration | $25 - $75 |
| Enamel on copper plate | Colorful abstract designs | $30 - $100 |
| Ceramic vase | Medium size, standard designs | $40 - $150 |
| Large charger or plate | 12+ inches, bold design | $75 - $300 |
| Figural sculpture | Horses, dancers, abstract forms | $100 - $500 |
| Surf Ballet series | Dancers, highly decorative | $100 - $400 |
| Alaska series | Eskimo and wildlife motifs | $50 - $200 |
| Roof top pattern | Architectural abstraction | $50 - $200 |
| Personally signed piece | Full "Sascha Brastoff" signature | $100 - $500+ |
Condition Factors
- Signature: Personally signed pieces (full name) are worth 2-3x production-signed pieces
- Glaze condition: Chips, scratches, and glaze loss are common on ceramics; enamelware is more durable
- Gold decoration: Worn gold trim is common from use and washing; well-preserved gilding adds value
- Crazing: Occurs on some ceramic pieces; minor crazing is acceptable, heavy crazing is not
- Completeness: Covered pieces, sets, and matched pairs bring premiums
Collecting Tips
- Learn to distinguish Brastoff's personal work (full signature) from factory production (chanticleer mark or "Sascha B") — this is the single biggest value determinant
- Enamel-on-copper pieces are durable, colorful, and represent excellent value compared to ceramics
- The horse and rooster motifs are the most recognizable Brastoff designs and most sought after
- Surf Ballet dancers and Alaska series pieces have dedicated followings
- Mid-century California ceramics have a strong regional collector base, particularly in Southern California
- Large-format pieces (chargers, tall vases) are less common than small accessories and bring stronger prices
- Brastoff's resin pieces from the later period are affordable and increasingly appreciated by modernist collectors