Pfaltzgraff Tea Teacup/Mug in 'Tea Rose' or 'Heritage' Yellow
Ceramic Tableware, Mass-produced Stoneware • Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company, York, Pennsylvania (USA)
Style & Movement
Mid-to-late 20th-century Americana / Traditional Country Style
Medium & Technique
Kiln-fired glazed stoneware; industrial slip-casting and automatic glazing techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter; cylindrical or tapered mug format with handle
Subject Description
A utilitarian ceramic drinking vessel featuring a solid pastel yellow glaze. The base contains an embossed maker's mark consisting of the Pfaltzgraff castle logo, the brand name, copyright notice, and 'USA' origin.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible shelf wear and minor scuffing on the unglazed foot ring, with general surface grime from usage
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$3.00 - $10.00 USD (individual item) / $30.00 - $60.00 USD (as part of a larger set)
Provenance History
Mass-market consumer retail; likely purchased from a department store in the United States during the peak of Pfaltzgraff's domestic production
Art Historical Significance
Representative of high-volume American industrial ceramics; Pfaltzgraff is one of the oldest and most recognizable American pottery brands, symbolizing the 1980s shift toward 'country' aesthetic in domestic life.
Notable Features
Features the classic embossed 'Castle' mark used prior to the company moving much of its production overseas in the early 2000s; 'USA' stamp serves as a marker for domestic manufacturing era.
Condition Issues
Light staining on the foot ring; potential micro-crazing in the glaze (common in stoneware) and minor handling abrasions
Conservation Recommendations
Standard cleaning with mild detergent; avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent glaze scratches; safe for display or continued domestic use