
Description
A rare and characterful find, this 1950s ceramic bird-form vase by iconic Palm Beach artisan Dodie Thayer is a playful departure from her famed lettuce ware. Hand-sculpted and signed by Thayer, this sculptural piece features a whimsically abstract bird rendered in painterly turquoise glaze with highlights of the creamy bisque body visible from a wax resist technique. The exaggerated beak, crown-like comb, and rotund form rest on tripod feet, merging function with folk art flair.
Thayer, beloved by design legends like C.Z. Guest and Jackie O, was best known for her garden-inspired pottery. This early or experimental piece highlights her creativity beyond tableware "” a conversation-starting collectible for fans of American studio ceramics and mid-century artisan craft.
Details:
Maker: Dodie Thayer (signed)
Era: 1950s
Material: Glazed ceramic
Color: Blue-green with natural clay and white marbling
Condition: Visible studio wear and glaze irregularities consistent with hand-thrown work
Style & Influence:
Mid-Century Studio Pottery
American Folk Revival
In the spirit of Bjørn Wiinblad and early Picasso ceramics
Perfect for Palm Beach Regency, eclectic, or rustic-chic interiors
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent
Dimensions:
Height: 5.5 in.
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 4 in.
Category: Vases
Origin: United States
Materials: Ceramic
Creator: Styled After: Alexander Calder
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $58.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Jacksonville, FL, FL
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Thayer, beloved by design legends like C.Z. Guest and Jackie O, was best known for her garden-inspired pottery. This early or experimental piece highlights her creativity beyond tableware "” a conversation-starting collectible for fans of American studio ceramics and mid-century artisan craft.
Details:
Maker: Dodie Thayer (signed)
Era: 1950s
Material: Glazed ceramic
Color: Blue-green with natural clay and white marbling
Condition: Visible studio wear and glaze irregularities consistent with hand-thrown work
Style & Influence:
Mid-Century Studio Pottery
American Folk Revival
In the spirit of Bjørn Wiinblad and early Picasso ceramics
Perfect for Palm Beach Regency, eclectic, or rustic-chic interiors
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent
Dimensions:
Height: 5.5 in.
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 4 in.
Category: Vases
Origin: United States
Materials: Ceramic
Creator: Styled After: Alexander Calder
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent
Buyer's Premium
20%
1950s Blue Bird Vase by Dodie Thayer Signed
Estimate $1,230-$3,680
Current Price (2 bids)
$1,300
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Estate Finds, Session 2
Jan 19, 2026 6:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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