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David Cressey Vases and Vessels

American, 1916-2010

David Cressey, a multi-disciplinary artist who had a six-decade career, created pottery and ceramics that revolutionized indoor/outdoor planters with their architectural style. Implementing artistic functionality into his pieces, Cressey designed in modern and mid-century modern styles. He created many planters, vases and table lamps, which remain highly desirable to collectors.

Cressey was the first artist in residence at Architectural Pottery in Los Angeles in 1961, helping to transform its urban and residential work. This was highly influential in the architecture and design worlds as the company mass-produced and sold sculptural, functional pieces.

Cressey also opened a design studio in Venice Beach, California, collaborating with Group Artec and Earthgender Ceramics. When Architectural Pottery closed in the mid-1980s due to a fire, Cressey continued to produce art, this time in the medium of mixed media on wood.

Cressey artwork evokes a similar physical and sensory experience as his vessels, lanterns and folk art ceramics. Evocatively Californian, his paintings evolved from his clay-based practice with a masterful use of color, saturation and texture. His fine art training included studying at the University of Southern California under Vivika Heino and at the University of California, Los Angeles, with Laura Andreson

In 2006, he received the California Design Award. Museums that have exhibited his work include the Pasadena Art Museum in 1967, the Everson Museum of Art in 1961, the Oakland Museum of California in 1961 and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2011.

On 1stDibs, find a rare collection of David Cressey building and garden elements, decorative objects, lighting and more.

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Creator: David Cressey
Pedestal Floor Vase by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery
Pedestal Floor Vase by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery

Pedestal Floor Vase by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Toledo, OH

Pedestal floor vase by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery. Circa 1960-1969. Large floor vase leaf pattern with brown glaze and mounted on a circular pedestal by David Cressey (1...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Clay, Stoneware

Architectural Pottery Cylinder "Staccato" Planter by David Cressey in Stoneware
Architectural Pottery Cylinder "Staccato" Planter by David Cressey in Stoneware

Architectural Pottery Cylinder "Staccato" Planter by David Cressey in Stoneware

By David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Architectural Pottery "Staccato" pattern on a stoneware cylinder planter by David Cressey. The planter has thick walls and is in very good condition with no chips or cracks. It shows...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey “Expressive” Planter for Architectural Pottery, Pro/Artisan Series
David Cressey “Expressive” Planter for Architectural Pottery, Pro/Artisan Series

David Cressey “Expressive” Planter for Architectural Pottery, Pro/Artisan Series

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully executed example from David Cressey’s Pro/Artisan Series for Architectural Pottery, this large cylindrical planter features the rare and visually dynamic “Expressive” m...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Sunburst Low Planter for Earthgender
Monumental Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Sunburst Low Planter for Earthgender

Monumental Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Sunburst Low Planter for Earthgender

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell

Located in Glendale, CA

Monumental Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Sunburst Low Planter for Earthgender Studio executed in hand etched, glazed and textured earthenware. A very clean and incredibly rare monu...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Earthenware

David Cressey Mid-Century Stoneware Planter with Dual-Tone Glaze
David Cressey Mid-Century Stoneware Planter with Dual-Tone Glaze

David Cressey Mid-Century Stoneware Planter with Dual-Tone Glaze

By David Cressey

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A striking mid-century stoneware planter by renowned California ceramicist David Cressey, created for Architectural Pottery during the 1960s–1970s. This impressive vessel perfectly e...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Large Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Thumbprint Planter for Earthgender
Large Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Thumbprint Planter for Earthgender

Large Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Thumbprint Planter for Earthgender

By Robert Maxwell, David Cressey

Located in Glendale, CA

Large Robert Maxwell & David Cressey thumbprint planter for Earthgender. Executed in textured earthenware with a stunning brown coloration with glaz...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Earthenware

Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey
Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey

Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey

By David Cressey

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A large David Cressey glazed pot or vessel is a stunning work of art that combines form, texture, and color in a captivating way. Known for his ceramic creations, David Cressey has a distinct style that is both modern and organic. This particular pot or vessel showcases Cressey's mastery of glazing techniques. Its generous size commands attention and makes it a focal point in any setting. The pot's shape is often asymmetrical, with smooth curves and undulating lines that mimic the organic shapes found in nature. Its large size allows for ample space to showcase the intricate glaze patterns. The glaze itself is a masterpiece, with a rich and layered appearance. Cressey's glazes often feature earthy tones like deep browns, rustic oranges, and mossy greens, evoking a connection to the natural world. The glaze may have variations in color, creating depth and visual interest. The surface texture might be subtly textured or exhibit a more pronounced texture, further enhancing the tactile and visual experience. When displayed, this David Cressey glazed pot or vessel becomes a statement piece that adds a touch of sophistication and artistic elegance to any space. Its combination of sculptural form and expertly applied glaze demonstrates the artist's skill and creativity, making it a unique and captivating addition to any art collection or interior design. Photographed with Knoll wire side...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Sunburst” Ochre Planter for Earthgender
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Sunburst” Ochre Planter for Earthgender

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Sunburst” Ochre Planter for Earthgender

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell and David Cressey, Robert Maxwell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stoneware planter from Earthgender, a collaboration between David Cressey and Robert Maxwell in the early 1970s. This 15” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design, a patt...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey "Scratch" Stoneware Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey "Scratch" Stoneware Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey "Scratch" Stoneware Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Planter by David Cressey from the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has an unglazed interior as well as an unglazed natural warm brown clay ext...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Clay, Stoneware

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell, Robert Maxwell and David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand thrown stoneware planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 13” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design a pattern of lin...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey Pro / Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Pro / Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Pro / Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ceramic bowl planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The planter has a gray speckled glazed interior and exterior, with slightly bowed sides an...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

Architectural Pottery “Pig” Planter with Original Iron Stand, California
Architectural Pottery “Pig” Planter with Original Iron Stand, California

Architectural Pottery “Pig” Planter with Original Iron Stand, California

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare and expressive "Pig" planter was designed by renowned ceramicist David Cressey as part of the Pro/Artisan Series for Architectural Pottery in the 1960s. Known for its biomo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Iron

David Cressey and Robert Maxwell Sunburst Bowl Planter for Earthgender
David Cressey and Robert Maxwell Sunburst Bowl Planter for Earthgender

David Cressey and Robert Maxwell Sunburst Bowl Planter for Earthgender

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand thrown stoneware planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 16” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design a pattern of lin...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection. This planter has a soft olive green speckle glazed exterior and interior. The top of the planter has slig...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

1970s Robert Maxwell & David Cressey 'Teardrop Sunburst' Pot for Earthgender
1970s Robert Maxwell & David Cressey 'Teardrop Sunburst' Pot for Earthgender

1970s Robert Maxwell & David Cressey 'Teardrop Sunburst' Pot for Earthgender

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell

Located in Glendale, CA

1970s Robert Maxwell & David Cressey 'Teardrop Sunburst' Pot for Earthgender Studio executed in hand etched, glazed and textured earthenware. A very clean example from the short-liv...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Earthenware

Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Storage Jar for Earthgender
Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Storage Jar for Earthgender

Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Storage Jar for Earthgender

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery, Robert Maxwell

Located in Glendale, CA

Robert Maxwell & David Cressey Storage Jar for Earthgender. Studio executed in hand thrown and designed textured earthenware with matching glazed lid, ideal as both a storage solutio...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Earthenware

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter

By David Cressey, Robert Maxwell and David Cressey, Robert Maxwell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand thrown stoneware planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 13.5” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design a pattern of l...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

California Modern Architectural Pottery Pro Artisan Planter by David Cressey
California Modern Architectural Pottery Pro Artisan Planter by David Cressey

California Modern Architectural Pottery Pro Artisan Planter by David Cressey

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid-Century Modern ceramic planter pot designed by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery Pro/Artisan. This hand poured stoneware vessel featu...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

David Cressey Pro Artisan 'Linear' Cigar Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Pro Artisan 'Linear' Cigar Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Pro Artisan 'Linear' Cigar Planter for Architectural Pottery

By David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Architectural Pottery "Linear" planter by David Cressey for his Pro Artisan line. Raw stoneware on a cigar shaped planter. The piece is in very good condition only showing light wear...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

Large Stoneware 'Sgraffito' Planter David Cressey
Large Stoneware 'Sgraffito' Planter David Cressey

Large Stoneware 'Sgraffito' Planter David Cressey

By David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great California design. Made with Cressey's own reduction fired stoneware "formula clay" with ocher glaze and hand carved 'Sgraffito' pattern design. No two are alike. One-of-a-kind...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

Tall Cylindrical Planter with Ribbed Motif by Architectural Pottery
Tall Cylindrical Planter with Ribbed Motif by Architectural Pottery

Tall Cylindrical Planter with Ribbed Motif by Architectural Pottery

By David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cylindrical planter produced by Architectural Pottery, Los Angeles, featuring a vertically articulated ribbed motif that gives the form a strong architectural rhythm and sculptural p...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey Earthgender "Solar" Architectural Fiberglass Prototype Planter
David Cressey Earthgender "Solar" Architectural Fiberglass Prototype Planter

David Cressey Earthgender "Solar" Architectural Fiberglass Prototype Planter

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in San Diego, CA

Really unique David Cressey & John Follis prototype planter. In the Earthgender "Solar" pattern. Made of fiberglass and resin. Possibly a one off mold or? We have never seen something like this. Really a rare and unique planter.

Category

1960s Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Fiberglass

David Cressey Green Flame-Glaze Bell Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Green Flame-Glaze Bell Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Green Flame-Glaze Bell Planter for Architectural Pottery

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bell-shaped planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a wide round opening, wide set...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey Flame-Glaze Bowl Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Flame-Glaze Bowl Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Flame-Glaze Bowl Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bell-shaped planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This bowl planter has a wide round opening that...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

Marilyn Kay Austin Leaf Planter for Architectural Pottery
Marilyn Kay Austin Leaf Planter for Architectural Pottery

Marilyn Kay Austin Leaf Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Marilyn Kay Austin, Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Glazed planter by ceramics artist Marilyn Kay Austin for Architectural Pottery with glazing and leaf pattern by David Cressey. This example, features a rounded square shape and all o...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Blue Flame-Glaze Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Blue Flame-Glaze Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Blue Flame-Glaze Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection with Cressey’s signature Blue “Flame Glaze."  This planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey Cylindrical Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Cylindrical Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Cylindrical Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a slim cylindrical body, a simple shape re...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey “Phoenix” Planter for Architectural Pottery, c. 1960s
David Cressey “Phoenix” Planter for Architectural Pottery, c. 1960s

David Cressey “Phoenix” Planter for Architectural Pottery, c. 1960s

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An exceptional “Phoenix” model planter designed by David Cressey for the Architectural Pottery Pro/Artisan collection, circa 1960s. Executed in white glazed stoneware, the vessel fea...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender

By Robert Maxwell and David Cressey, Robert Maxwell, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An unglazed stoneware bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell's 1970's collaboration, Earthgender. The planter has a rounded lip with a dark speckle glazed interior, an in...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery

By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.”  This planter has a flat lipped rim and wide belly that tappe...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Flame-Glaze Urn for Architectural Pottery
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Flame-Glaze Urn for Architectural Pottery

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Flame-Glaze Urn for Architectural Pottery

By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze."  This planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip. Dimen...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage David Cressey Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.

David Cressey vases and vessels are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of David Cressey vases and vessels, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vases and vessels by David Cressey were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider vases and vessels by Robert Maxwell, Architectural Pottery, and John Follis. Prices for David Cressey vases and vessels can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $12,250, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,198.