Betty Lou Nichols Signed Ceramic Lady Head Vases

Updated September 4, 2026

Lot number	230
Estimate	130.00 - 150.00 USD
Category	Pottery, China & Glass
Auction	Chicagoland Antiques, Jewelry & Collectibles Auction 09/15
Date	September 16, 2026 at 12:36 AM CDT
Auction house	Esquis Auctions
Location	Wheeling, Illinois

Two vintage ceramic lady head vases by Betty Lou Nichols, each signed on the underside. Both feature Nichols' distinctive fashionable female figures with elaborate wide-brimmed hats, sculpted hairstyles, long dimensional eyelashes and applied decorative details. One is finished in soft peach and cream tones with a white rose and curled hairstyle, while the other wears a dark brown polka-dot dress with a ruffled collar and elaborate openwork hat decoration. Nichols' individually applied curls, ruffles, flowers and other clay embellishments are characteristic of her highly collectible work. Good overall vintage condition. One has a small finish chip on the bottom of the lady's hat. Please review photos for details. 5" x 6" x 6" to 6" x 7" x 7". Betty Lou Nichols (1922-1995, United States) was a California ceramic artist best known for her distinctive lady head vases. She studied art and ceramics at Fullerton Junior College and began producing pottery in La Habra, California during the 1940s. Nichols helped popularize ceramic head vases in the United States and operated a successful ceramics studio that at its peak employed approximately 30 workers. Her work is particularly recognized for elaborate hats, curled hairstyles, applied clay decorations and distinctive dimensional eyelashes. She ended commercial ceramic production in 1962 and later devoted herself to painting. Her head vases remain highly sought after by collectors of American mid-century ceramics.

Betty Lou Nichols Signed Ceramic Lady Head Vases

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