Ventura Shell Lazy Susan / Relish Set (Turquoise)
Decorative Art / Ceramic Tableware • Ventura California Pottery (similar styles produced by Metlox or Bauer during the California Pottery boom)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / California Pottery / Art Deco Influenced
Medium & Technique
Slip-cast earthenware with a reactive or semi-opaque turquoise glaze. Process involves mold-casting the clay followed by high-fire glazing for a glossy finish.
Creation Period
Circa 1940s–1950s
Dimensions & Format
Rotating circular format (Lazy Susan); individual side dishes approximately 6-8 inches, central bowl 5 inches, total diameter approximately 14-16 inches.
Subject Description
A tiered or modular serving set featuring fan-shaped 'shell' dishes and a central scalloped bowl. The design utilizes organic, oceanic motifs simplified into geometric rhythmic ridges characteristic of Streamline Moderne influence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The glaze appears vibrant and intact, though visual inspection suggests potential micro-crazing common in 20th-century California earthenware.
Estimated Market Value
$75.00 – $150.00 USD (depending on the presence of the original rotating base)
Auction Estimate
$40.00 – $80.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely American domestic origin; consistent with mass-produced but high-quality ceramic wares sold through department stores in the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'California Pottery' movement where regional manufacturers combined industrial production with vibrant, sunny aesthetics to define the American Mid-Century lifestyle.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'shell' fluting and iconic turquoise color palette, often associated with the 'Golden Age' of California ceramic manufacturing.
Condition Issues
Potential for fleabites (small chips) on the delicate scalloped edges, base wear from rotation, and internal crazing from temperature fluctuations over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild detergent; avoid microwave or dishwasher use to prevent glaze expansion/cracking. Store with felt dividers to prevent chipping.