We often have a natural obsession with things that are vintage.
Whether these objects in question are decades-old household appliances, decorative pieces, or elegant vintage patterns, they all give us invaluable insight into fads and fancies of the past.
Below, we share a small collection of enchanting vintage "lady head vases."
These vintage ceramic planters were made between the 1940s and 1970s, and were often produced by florists and businesses who wanted to maximize profits by grouping smaller bunches of flowers inside these unique-looking planters.
Sold today for up to $1,000, these vases have perfectly dainty features, and are widely sought after by serious collectors for their deeply nostalgic value.
Several extra-unique vases were crafted in the image of some of the most gorgeous women in American history, including Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy.
Regardless of their varying price, each and every one of these vases is an absolute treasure!
Scroll further to take a look at these lovely vintage lady head planters, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
[H/T: Dusty Old Thing]
Lady head vases have been collected for decades.
Interested collectors have been on the hunt for these postwar ceramics since the middle of the century.
Known for their light, dainty features, graceful expressions, and willowy outlines, the “ladies” depicted on these vases give us great insight into how women were portrayed, and practically idealized, some 60, 70 years ago.
There are a few extremely sought-after vases, whose features were crafted to resemble those of big-name stars and beauty icons, including Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Jackie Kennedy, and even male stars, like Elvis Presley.
Many of the most coveted ceramic head vases were made between 1940 and 1970, and apparently were made by florist companies to hold the flower bouquets sold in stores.
Business owners loved to use these unique-looking planters, as they had very small openings, and could increase sales by limiting the bundles of flowers sold.
The earliest American vase manufacturers to get on this trend included Betty Lou Nichols, Dorothy Copley, and Ceramic Arts Studio, according to Collectors Weekly.
Each manufacturer had their own distinct way of imprinting unique features on the lady head vases, from adding perfectly pouted lips and beautiful, curled hair, to detailed elements on the frocks and large eyelashes.
Following World War II, several manufacturers in Japan (whose economy, by that time, experienced a sudden growth spurt) decided to produce these special head planters, and imported them to the U.S. for cheaper prices.
Many vases gradually varied in style and usage, and were made, for example, into umbrella holders, lamps, jewelry holders, and even wall pockets.
By the '70s, production of head vases had unfortunately become nearly obsolete.
Their significance and value have certainly been revived today, with some planters selling for more than $1,000.
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