Description
A delightful pair of hand-painted stoneware mugs from Hadley Pottery, signed M.A. Hadley and featuring a charming nautical "Low Tide" design. These classic pieces reflect the unmistakable mid-century American pottery tradition pioneered by Mary Alice Hadley, one of the most beloved ceramic artists of the 20th century.
Mary Alice Hadley founded Hadley Pottery in Louisville, Kentucky in 1939 and quickly became known for her expressive hand-painted stoneware signed "M.A. Hadley." Her work combined everyday utility with playful, folk-inspired imagery-often nautical or pastoral scenes-that charmed collectors nationwide. Even after her passing in 1965, artisans continued producing pottery in her signature style, making vintage signed pieces like these especially collectible.
These mugs are more than functional; they're small works of American studio craft with a story in every brushstroke.
Details:
Signed M.A. Hadley on underside
Whimsical hand-painted ship / "Low Tide" motif
Classic Hadley palette in blue, green & coral
Durable stoneware, great for coffee, tea, or display
Signed interior with character (see photos)
Comfortable handle; sturdy everyday shape
Why Collectors Love Hadley:
Mary Alice Hadley's pieces are sought after not just for their charming imagery, but because they represent an early example of a woman-led American pottery studio that blended art and daily life. Her work was widely admired in the mid-20th century-and vintage signed pieces remain highly collectible today.
Perfect for:
Folk art collections
Open kitchen shelves or breakfast nooks
Coffee lovers & pottery enthusiasts
Gifting to someone who appreciates handmade ceramics
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent
Origin:
United States
Creator:
Styled After: Bunny Williams Home
Materials & Techniques:
Stoneware
Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Mary Alice Hadley founded Hadley Pottery in Louisville, Kentucky in 1939 and quickly became known for her expressive hand-painted stoneware signed "M.A. Hadley." Her work combined everyday utility with playful, folk-inspired imagery-often nautical or pastoral scenes-that charmed collectors nationwide. Even after her passing in 1965, artisans continued producing pottery in her signature style, making vintage signed pieces like these especially collectible.
These mugs are more than functional; they're small works of American studio craft with a story in every brushstroke.
Details:
Signed M.A. Hadley on underside
Whimsical hand-painted ship / "Low Tide" motif
Classic Hadley palette in blue, green & coral
Durable stoneware, great for coffee, tea, or display
Signed interior with character (see photos)
Comfortable handle; sturdy everyday shape
Why Collectors Love Hadley:
Mary Alice Hadley's pieces are sought after not just for their charming imagery, but because they represent an early example of a woman-led American pottery studio that blended art and daily life. Her work was widely admired in the mid-20th century-and vintage signed pieces remain highly collectible today.
Perfect for:
Folk art collections
Open kitchen shelves or breakfast nooks
Coffee lovers & pottery enthusiasts
Gifting to someone who appreciates handmade ceramics
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent
Origin:
United States
Creator:
Styled After: Bunny Williams Home
Materials & Techniques:
Stoneware
Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
4 x 5 x 3.5 in
Vintage Mary Alice Hadley "Low Tide" Hand-Painted Folk Art Stoneware Mugs - a Pair
Estimate $90-$240
Starting Price
$45
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Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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By Sheila Gibson StoodleySeptember 16, 2026
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