Item Report
Mid-20th Century Nautical Scene Textured Ceramic Plaque
By: H.A. Rognstad (signed, not widely documented in reference sources; likely a midcentury studio or craft potter)
Style: Midcentury Studio Pottery / Nautical Decorative Art
Origin: United States (likely, based on style and signature)
Materials: Stoneware ceramic, underglaze glaze, hand-painted decoration
Age: Circa 1950-1970
Condition: Very Good (no visible cracks or chips, moderate glaze wear consistent with age, no restoration noted)
Value: $30-$80 (auction value; value may be higher retail if artist is locally collected)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Signature: 'H.A. Rognstad' visible at the bottom front rim.
Date: 2025-06-22 18:37:24.066487
Description:
This is a hand-textured circular ceramic plaque depicting a nautical scene with sailing ships at sea. The central design features intricate incised and painted decoration, set into a heavy, wide-rimmed plate with a speckled, mottled glaze finish. The artwork is signed 'H.A. Rognstad' on the front, suggesting a studio production rather than mass-manufacture. The surface is both painted and lightly sculpted for dimensionality.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A decorative studio pottery plaque from the mid-20th century, featuring a maritime motif and signed by the artist. The hand-applied texturing and glaze speckle characterize the American and Scandinavian-influenced studio pottery movement. Not a mass-produced piece; there is some collectible appeal for midcentury ceramics and nautical art enthusiasts. No significant historical or museum-level value is indicated, but an appealing decorative item.
Individual Images:
- Image provides a clear view of the front
- glaze
- surface texture
- and the signature 'H.A. Rognstad.' The glaze spotting/discoloration is typical of midcentury stoneware. No image of the back or mounting hardware is provided
- so cannot assess backstamp or hanging features. Surface wear matches expected age
- and signature appears honest
- not added later.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Very Good (no visible cracks or chips, moderate glaze wear consistent with age, no restoration noted)
Identification Score: 90%
The form, materials, and style are very consistent with mid-20th-century studio ceramics, and the signed name is clear, though the artist is not a widely documented figure. Subject, technique, and craftsmanship fit the described category closely.
Authenticity Score: 85%
Piece is clearly hand-made and signed, with genuine wear and glaze behavior consistent with studio production from the 1950s–1970s. There is no indication of modern reproduction, fakery, or later decoration. The artist is obscure, but this does not detract from authenticity.
Image Memory Note
Handmade circular ceramic plaque, nautical sailing ships scene, signed 'H.A. Rognstad', heavily textured, midcentury feel, studio pottery.
Keywords
studio pottery, nautical, midcentury, ceramic plaque, stoneware, H.A. Rognstad, United States
Comparables (Similar Items)
No archived comparables matched this report yet.
Share: