Hidden treasures: unexpected vases holding serious value

A chipped vase at a thrift store? Don't dismiss it. Often overlooked, vintage vases can be surprisingly valuable, holding stories and potential worth – a fact that's catching the eye of collectors and savvy shoppers alike.

Fan vases: a flourishing history

Hailing from the Victorian era, fan vases are instantly recognizable for their, well, fan-like shape. This design allowed flowers to spread outwards, a welcome departure from the tightly clustered arrangements of traditional vases. “Fan vases were often used for table or mantel displays, where the arrangement could spread out and be seen from the front,” explains Erica Vevurka, a vintage expert and founder of Dogwood Interiors. She notes that some even boasted built-in stem dividers, simplifying floral arranging.

Materials range from silverplate and porcelain to pottery and glass, with values typically falling between $50 and $150, depending on maker and condition. Look for marks or signatures – names like Minton, Bordallo Pinheiro, or Fitz & Floyd can significantly boost a vase’s worth.

Flower frog vases: the art of arrangement

The flower frog, a fixture in early 20th-century floral design, is a small piece – often ceramic, glass, or metal – with holes or pins that hold stems in place. Some vases incorporate the frog directly into the top, offering a convenient way to create structured arrangements. Wedgwood and Delft-style pottery are notable examples. Expect to spend between $25 and $150 for these, depending on the maker and condition.

Majolica marvels: a renaissance revival

Fruit and vegetable majolica vases, with their vibrant, hand-painted depictions of produce, offer a glimpse into the Italian Renaissance and Victorian eras.