Mid-Century Black & Gold Chinoiserie Ceramic Figural Bookends (Man and Woman)
Unbranded (Likely Bradley, California Originals, or similar Art Pottery) · Art & Decor > Collectibles
Era / Decade
1950s - 1960s (Mid-Century Modern era indicated by high-gloss black glaze and stylized gold splatter/gilding)
Material
Ceramic/Pottery with a high-gloss glaze finish and metallic gold cold-paint accents.
Condition
Good/Very Good. There is visible wear to the gold cold-paint detailing on the figures. One figure (right) shows significant gold loss on the forehead/hair piece. No visible structural cracks or major chips are apparent in the photo, but typical 'flea bites' may be present on corners.
Demand Level
Moderate - Steady interest from MCM collectors and those decorating in the Hollywood Regency style.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $35.00 | Mid: $55.00 | High: $85.00 (Value is highly dependent on identifying a specific maker mark on the bottom)
Estimated Retail Value
$40.00 - $60.00 (Inflation-adjusted vintage value)
Comparable Sales
Similar unbranded black/gold ceramic bookends from the 1950s typically sell for $45-$65 on Etsy. If identified as a specific California maker, the price can exceed $100.
Description
A striking pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern ceramic bookends featuring a man and woman in stylized traditional Chinese attire. The set is finished in a dramatic high-gloss black glaze with hand-applied metallic gold accents and faux-character script. The figures are depicted in a kneeling pose, integrated into an L-shaped bookend base. Approximately 6-8 inches tall.
Key Features
Highly collectible Mid-Century aesthetic; dramatic 'Atomic' era color palette (Black/Gold); Chinoiserie/Orientalist style that is popular in Hollywood Regency and MCM home staging.
Authenticity Indicators
Weight is a key indicator (heavy ceramic vs. light resin reproductions); unglazed bottom ring with kiln marks; specific 'splatter' pattern of the gold common in 50s California pottery. Confidence: High (Vintage Original).
Flaws to Note
Fading and loss of the gold accents (cold paint often wears off over time); minor scuffs on the black glaze; potential shelf wear on the unglazed bottom surfaces.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage decor), eBay (best for specific pottery collectors), or high-end local consignment/vintage shops.
Selling Tips
Check the underside for a 'USA' stamp or a maker's mark like 'Bradley'. Use keywords: 'Mid Century Modern', 'MCM', 'Hollywood Regency', 'Chinoiserie', 'Asian Ceramic Bookends'. Photograph against a white background to make the gold/black contrast pop. Ship with heavy bubble wrap as these are fragile and prone to chipping in transit.