A rare Fritz Albert Teco vase sold on March 2 in New Jersey as part of a "surprisingly solid" arts and crafts auction.
David Rago, head of the auction house overseeing the sale, commented: "The market has been coming back steadily since the thin days of 2009.
 The Teco art pottery works thrived during the 1920s, when ceramic forms that emulated nature came into vogue throughout the US and Europe |
"This was a surprisingly solid auction, especially in the middle range."
The striking circa 1905 vase, which is adorned with Teco's emblematic iris blossoms, brought $212,500 - a 272.2% increase on its $45,000 high estimate.
The rare and dynamically organic vase has been attributed to art pottery designer Fritz Albert, an eminent employee of the US-based Teco works during the 20th century.
The strong sale price is good news for collectors of art pottery (and pottery more generally) as it suggests that the market is buoyant, with buyers prepared to part with substantial sums for exceptional pieces.
With the Delphinium collection of Meissen porcelain set to go under the hammer at Bonhams on March 20, those invested in ceramics are advised to watch this space.
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