
Description
Large studio ceramic planter with drip glaze draining dish/saucer by Deanna Nichols by ceramicist, Deanna Nichols (b. 1942-2017, Missouri).
Holding a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute (1965) and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University in California (1967), Nichols was educated in painting and complex pottery making techniques at an academic level and later served as an educator at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA, and The Chrysler Museum School in Norfolk, VA.
The second floor of the new student center at Kansas City Art Institute is named for Nichols (see image).
These two studio pieces date to the early 1990s, based on the signature "D. Nichols," which she used during that era and features an thoughtful interplay of glazes and methods. The color layering of the planter produces attractive pops of purples, pinks, greens, and red-oranges, and the hand applied design, which utilizes various techniques, creates an appealing contrast of textures.
The drainage bowl features a matte maroon base with a splatter/drip glaze rim pattern and chartreuse interior with rust red/brown mottled design.
From the family of Deanna Nichols' personal collection of her pieces.
"I fell under the spell of the wheel, loving the physical beauty of the moves required to form clay and the sense of peace that came from throwing. Function has always been the thing that made it work for me. That and the people who take the pieces into their lives and make it all relevant. Should this lump of clay become a vessel and Should it dry without crack, Fire without flaw and Serve without breaking, Then may it claim For its maker A tiny bit of immortality." - Deanna Nichols, 2008
Planter alone: H: 10.75" x Diameter: 12.75"
Bowl: H: 2.5" x Diameter: 10.25"
Together: H: 12" x Diameter: 12.75"
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good, vintage condition. Drainage hole present to the base.
Dimensions:
Height: 12 in.
Width: 12.75 in.
Depth: 12.75 in.
Category: Planters
Origin: United States
Materials: Ceramic
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $55.00 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 brooklyn, NY
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.
Holding a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute (1965) and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University in California (1967), Nichols was educated in painting and complex pottery making techniques at an academic level and later served as an educator at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA, and The Chrysler Museum School in Norfolk, VA.
The second floor of the new student center at Kansas City Art Institute is named for Nichols (see image).
These two studio pieces date to the early 1990s, based on the signature "D. Nichols," which she used during that era and features an thoughtful interplay of glazes and methods. The color layering of the planter produces attractive pops of purples, pinks, greens, and red-oranges, and the hand applied design, which utilizes various techniques, creates an appealing contrast of textures.
The drainage bowl features a matte maroon base with a splatter/drip glaze rim pattern and chartreuse interior with rust red/brown mottled design.
From the family of Deanna Nichols' personal collection of her pieces.
"I fell under the spell of the wheel, loving the physical beauty of the moves required to form clay and the sense of peace that came from throwing. Function has always been the thing that made it work for me. That and the people who take the pieces into their lives and make it all relevant. Should this lump of clay become a vessel and Should it dry without crack, Fire without flaw and Serve without breaking, Then may it claim For its maker A tiny bit of immortality." - Deanna Nichols, 2008
Planter alone: H: 10.75" x Diameter: 12.75"
Bowl: H: 2.5" x Diameter: 10.25"
Together: H: 12" x Diameter: 12.75"
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good, vintage condition. Drainage hole present to the base.
Dimensions:
Height: 12 in.
Width: 12.75 in.
Depth: 12.75 in.
Category: Planters
Origin: United States
Materials: Ceramic
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; Very good, vintage condition. Drainage hole present to the base.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Large Vintage Studio Pottery Ombré Planter and Draining Saucer by Deanna Nichols
Estimate $1,200-$2,400
Starting Price
$1,200
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Vintage & Design Auction
Mar 13, 2026 6:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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