Zsolnay Vase

Q: My 11-inch high copper colored vase has iridescent abstract flowers and squiggles as decoration. The bottom is marked with a cluster of five skinny towers in a dotted line circle. The words “Zsolnay Pecs” are inside the circle. Can you tell me how old it is and some history?

A: Zsolnay Pecs is part of the mark for a Hungarian pottery started in 1853.The Art Nouveau pieces, often with three-dimensional women clinging to the sides of a vase, were made in the 1900s until about 1930. These were very out-of-favor with American collectors in the 1930s to 1960s and then slowly gained in price. Today a figural vase can bring thousands of dollars. A large, less elaborate piece as early as yours will also sell for thousands. Modern pieces that are marked with the 1996 and after mark that includes the symbols and words of your vase plus the founding date of 1853 sell for hundreds of dollars.