Van Briggle
Vintage Van Briggle Pottery Nautilus Shell Tray - Mocha Drip Glaze
A Van Briggle art pottery tray in a fluid nautilus shell form, finished in a glossy mocha and chartreuse drip glaze.
The Story
Established in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1901 by Art Nouveau artist Artus Van Briggle and his wife Anne (Lawrence) Van Briggle, the Van Briggle Pottery company is one of the oldest and most celebrated names in American art pottery history. Renowned for its matte glazes and organic, nature-inspired forms, the pottery evolved over the decades. The "Anna Van Briggle" line was introduced in the mid-20th century (predominantly during the 1950s and 1960s) to showcase glossier, more experimental drip and flow glazes that perfectly captured the mid-century modern aesthetic while honoring the studio's traditional pottery roots.
The Details
- Brand: Van Briggle
THE DESIGN
This striking vintage American art pottery tray captures the organic elegance of the Art Nouveau movement with its fluid, nautilus shell-inspired form. Shaped like a fanned-out marine shell, the tray spirals outward from a tight, hollowed core into wide, tiered ridges that mimic natural chamber structures. It features a rich, glossy Mocha brown base coat accentuated by a frothy, multi-tonal green and chartreuse drip glaze flowing down each segment.
Origin: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ("Colo. Spgs.")
Design / Shape: Fanned Nautilus Shell / Spiraled Sectioned Tray
Glaze / Colorway: High-gloss Mocha Brown base with a Sage/Chartreuse Green drip over-glaze
Material: Earthy southwestern clay / hand-finished ceramic
Bottom Markings: Hand-incised with the iconic "Double A" logo, "Van Briggle", "Colo. Spgs.", and a framed window or builder's mark.
Approximate Era: Mid-20th Century
Special Attributes: Pre-drilled utility/drainage hole at the bottom center. Great for collectors looking for a functional planters or historical display variants.
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Return policy
Every piece is one-of-a-kind and sold in its authentic vintage condition — please review all photos carefully, as they're part of the listing. Given the nature of our inventory, all sales are final; reach out if anything arrives damaged and we'll make it right.
Shipping
Every piece is one-of-a-kind, and shipping is arranged individually based on size, fragility, and destination. Once your purchase is confirmed, we'll be in touch directly to coordinate the safest and most cost-effective method — whether that's professional white-glove delivery, freight, or local pickup.
Authenticity & Provenance
Every piece we offer is genuine vintage, carefully vetted for authenticity. Where available, we include maker history, signatures, dates, and provenance details — because knowing a piece's story is part of owning it.