Skip to main content

Van Briggle Ashtrays

Van Briggle, an American artist of Dutch descent, was established as a world-class painter in Europe. Having been trained at the finest academies there, and with paintings accepted by the Paris Salon, he received the highest honors for a painter in his day. Yet his artistic passions would ultimately lead him away from his brush, canvas and easel toward another artistic pursuit that would ultimately define his genius. Though Artus was a brilliant painter, his artistic passions were most eloquently expressed in the forms and colors of one of history’s oldest arts - pottery. From his years as a celebrated artist at the famed Rookwood Pottery in Ohio, he knew first-hand the extraordinary range of expression an artist could achieve with the potter’s materials. His pursuit was the creation of exquisite satin matte glazes, like those he’d seen on ancient Chinese masterworks, in a palette of glorious colors, never achieved by any artist in modern times. The materials this brilliant artist would use for his greatest artistic pursuit would be minerals from the earth - clays, feldspars, oxides - and the glowing orange flames of a fiery kiln.

When transformed by the creative mind and the skilled hand, these materials become the essence of both humanity and nature blended in unity. Clay and glaze are indeed extravagant media, offering the artist a lifetime of challenges and rewards. Artus, however, didn’t have a lifetime - tragically, he had contracted tuberculosis and though a relatively young man, his future was uncertain. Artus had achieved some success in discovering a formula for these beautiful matte glazes prior to his arrival in Colorado but he continued his work there, seeking a standard of perfection not yet achieved. Pottery is a melding of art and science, and during the time when he conducted his experiments, Artus knew that success could not come without the patience of a scientist and the passion found in all great artists. He pursued his vision with tireless effort, though the effects of failing health often interrupted his progress. No specific date is recorded, but one day in the spring of 1901 he reached into the kiln, with the anticipation known well by countless potters throughout the ages, and finally held in his hands the perfect, rich, matte-glazed pottery he had sought for so long - the first pieces created in centuries, the first ever on this side of the world. Against the odds of failing health and a pursuit which no western artist had ever achieved, he succeeded; his passion was realized - a lost art was now reborn. The world would once again see and touch the soft marble-like glazes first known by ancient Chinese masters half a world and so many generations away.

When you hold in your hand a piece of fine artistry and craftsmanship, a human creation with elegant lines and a sensual surface - something experienced by the eyes and hands and ultimately felt by the soul, you’ll know what Artus Van Briggle was seeking - and what he ultimately achieved. He lived to see his artistic passion fulfilled before his own mortality could eclipse his dream. Though the sun setting on his own life, a new era was on the horizon for one of the oldest arts in history. Once perfected, Artus Van Briggle’s exquisite new glazes graced his elegant Art Nouveau pottery designs which were sent across the Atlantic and, when shown to Europe’s best art judges, were proclaimed - A supreme discovery in modern ceramics. Soon, art critics across the continents marveled at his works, lavished him with praise, and brought international acclaim to this quiet American artist on the Colorado frontier. Before long, he succumbed to tuberculosis and died there in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, but not before receiving word that when shown at exhibitions here in the United States and in the Salons of Europe, his creations had won their highest awards.

Van Briggle Pottery is the living heritage of an extraordinary artist whose heart and hands were given only half a lifetime, and to his wife, Anne, whose own dedication and fine artistry after Artus’ death carried their vision to success in its earliest years. Together, they left a timeless and permanent imprint on the tradition of American art pottery. With each passing year and with each new piece created, their artistic legacy continues, a legacy known as Van Briggle - a Tradition in American Art Pottery since 1899.

to
1
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
19
43
39
36
32
Creator: Van Briggle
Van Briggle Arts & Crafts Lotus Form Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Bowl
By Van Briggle
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period lotus form turquoise glazed ceramic art pottery bowl, ashtray, or catchall By Van Briggle (signed to the underside) USA, Early 20th Century Measure...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Van Briggle Arts & Crafts Turquoise Glazed Ashtray or Catchall
By Van Briggle
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period turquoise glazed ceramic art pottery ashtray or catchall By Van Briggle (signed to the underside) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.25"W x 5.25"D...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Vintage Ming Blue Art Pottery Footed Ashtray by Van Briggle
By Van Briggle
Located in San Diego, CA
Very nice ming blue art pottery footed ashtray by Van Briggle of Colorado Springs, CO., circa 1930s. The piece is signed on the underside and is in excell...
Category

Early 20th Century American Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Pottery

Related Items
1960s Gorgeous Pink Ashtray or Catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous pink ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. No chips or other, this item is perfect in excellent condition. Dimension; ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

1960s Murano Red and Blue Ashtray or Catchall by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Astonishing red and blue ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli in Murano Glass. Made in Italy. It's a sculpture The item is in very good condition. Dimensions: Diameter 5,11" x 3,34"...
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

1930 Art Deco Catalina Island Siesta Pottery Ashtray And Pipe Holder
Located in Van Nuys, CA
An original 1930 Siesta Catalina Island pottery ashtray and pipe holder is a delightful blend of functionality and Art Deco infualnced designed...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Pottery

Nils Thorsson Scandinavian Marselis Ceramic Bowl for Royal Copenaghen, 1950s
By Nils Thorsson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic “Marselis” ashtray bowl series designed by Danish artist Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenaghen, 1950s. Please note that the litem is original of the period and t...
Category

1650s Danish Mid-Century Modern Antique Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Onyx Catchall Ashtray or Vide Poche Square, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
This Mid-Century Onyx Catchall Ashtray from the 1970s is a beautifully versatile and functional decor piece. Handcrafted from natural onyx, its square shape highlights stunning green...
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Onyx

1964 Robert Maxwell California Design Studio Art Pottery Ashtray w/Crackle Glass
By Robert Maxwell and David Cressey, Robert Maxwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Great California studio pottery ashtray by Robert Maxwell, circa 1965. The ashtray has red crackle glass in the center. Signed on the bottom by the artist. Very unique design and for...
Category

1960s Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Pottery

Murano Sommerso Orb Blue Art Glass Vintage Ashtray Italy
By Andromeda Murano
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian handblown art glass bowl or ashtray. Italian Murano Sommerso orb blue and clear art glass ashtray Extremely hard to fi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Blown Glass

Flavio Poli Sommerso Turquoise Blue Yellow Diamond Faceted Murano Art Glass Bowl
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Turquoise Murano glass faceted bowl or ashtray by Flavio Poli. Italy, 1950s. Unusual color. Turquoise and clear glass using the Sommerso technique. Amazing diamond sha...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass

Van Briggle Art Deco Celadon Glazed North American Native Figurine
By Van Briggle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Art Deco pottery figure of a North American Native figure of a kneeling girl made by Van Briggle Art Pottery in the 1930’s. Van Briggle Art p...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Pottery

Mexican Midcentury Ashtray on Foot
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Mexican midcentury ashtray on foot made in mahogany wood and brass accents, circa 1950.
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Gorgeous Brown Ashtray or Catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous brown ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. No chips or other, this item is perfect in excellent condition. Dimension;...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Murano Sommerso Orb Blue Art Glass Ashtray
By Andromeda Murano
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian handblown art glass bowl or ashtray. Italian Murano Sommerso Cenedese orb blue art glass ashtray. Heavyweight glass ashtray in a gorgeous minimal design. A very beautiful and substantial two-tone blue Italian Murano art glass cigarette ashtray...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Van Briggle Ashtrays

Materials

Blown Glass

Van Briggle ashtrays for sale on 1stDibs.

Van Briggle ashtrays are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of pottery and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Van Briggle ashtrays, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider ashtrays by Edith Heath, Sascha Brastoff, and Heath Ceramics. Prices for Van Briggle ashtrays can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $275 and can go as high as $275, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $275.
Questions About Van Briggle Ashtrays
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To identify Van Briggle pottery, look for the maker's mark, usually found on the bottom of a piece. Nearly all Van Briggle pottery has the brand logo: a pair of conjoined As, representing founders Artus and Anne Van Briggle. Most pieces also feature an artist's mark, a glazier's mark and an inscription. By cross-referencing these marks with information available through trusted online resources, you can determine an approximate age for a piece and learn more about it. Alternatively, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer to aid in identification. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Van Briggle pottery.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    To identify your Van Briggle pottery, use its hallmark, typically found on the bottom of the piece. By comparing the mark to images featured in trusted online resources, you can roughly determine the age of your pottery. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Van Briggle pottery.

Recently Viewed

View All