Signed Studio Pottery Pitcher | "Lee 88" | Sculptural Cream Ceramic | Scalloped Spout & Rococo Handle | 1988

The base tells the story. Pressed into the glossy cream clay in the artist's own hand: Lee 88. A name and a year — 1988 — that transform this from a beautiful object into a signed, dated work of American studio pottery.

Studio pottery of this era represents a high point in American craft: individual artists working outside the factory system, making functional forms with genuine sculptural ambition. This pitcher is a confident example of that tradition. The bulbous pear-shaped body rises through a narrow neck to a dramatically flared, petal-like scalloped spout — the kind of form that takes real skill to throw and finish. The ornate Rococo-inspired scroll handle, applied by hand, adds decorative flourish without overwhelming the piece. The embossed floral base grounds it with old-world detail. The glossy all-over cream glaze unifies every element into something that reads as both classical and distinctly of its moment.

At 14" tall and 6" wide, it commands a shelf, a mantle, or a console without effort. Styled with wildflowers or peonies it becomes a statement. Empty, it holds its own as pure sculpture.

Provenance & Maker's Mark

• Signed: "Lee 88" — hand-pressed into the base by the artist
• Dated: 1988 — confirmed by the maker's mark
• Origin: American studio pottery
• Tradition: Late 20th-century American craft movement — functional forms with sculptural intent
• Provenance: Sourced and curated by The Marian Collection, Jacksonville, FL

Design & Craftsmanship Details

• Bulbous pear-shaped body with graceful narrow neck — a classic studio pottery form
• Dramatically flared scalloped spout with petal-like rim profile
• Hand-applied Rococo-inspired scroll handle with decorative flourishes
• Embossed floral relief detailing on the scalloped base
• All-over glossy cream glaze — warm, luminous, and versatile
• Signed and dated by the artist on the base: "Lee 88"

Condition Assessment

• Glaze: Excellent — glossy cream finish intact, no crazing or discoloration
• Structure: No cracks, chips, or repairs — fully sound
• Spout & handle: Intact, no damage
• Embossed detail: Crisp and well-defined
• Maker's mark: Clearly legible — "Lee 88" pressed into base
• Overall: Excellent vintage condition — display-ready

Styling & Placement

• As a vase — the wide scalloped opening is ideal for loose garden stems, peonies, ranunculus, or dried botanicals
• On open shelving — the height and sculptural silhouette anchor a ceramic grouping beautifully
• In an entryway or on a console — pair with stacked books, a brass candlestick, and a small tray
• On a mantle — the 14" height works beautifully at eye level as a standalone statement
• In maximalist, grandmillennial, cottage, or eclectic interiors — the cream glaze and Rococo handle read across multiple aesthetics

Specifications

• Artist: Lee (signed)
• Year: 1988 (dated)
• Type: American studio pottery
• Material: Ceramic with glossy cream glaze
• Height: 14 inches
• Width: 6 inches
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Condition: Excellent vintage
• Availability: One of a kind — signed originals do not restock

Why The Marian Collection

We source pieces with provenance, craft, and a story worth telling. A signed studio pottery piece from 1988 — in this condition, with this silhouette — is exactly what we look for. It was made by hand, signed by its maker, and has waited thirty-five years for the right home. We think it's found it.