Head Vases

Head vases, generally showing a woman from the shoulders up, were used by florists primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Made in a variety of sizes and often decorated with imitation jewelry and other lifelike accessories, the vases were manufactured in Japan and the U.S.A. Less elaborate examples were made as early as the 1930s. Religious themes, babies, and animals are also common subjects. Head vases were often used by florists to hold their bouquets of flowers. Other head vases are listed under manufacturers' names. For more information, explore our identification guides for head vases, decorative ceramics, and American and Japanese pottery.