Kitschy, Glamorous, and Forgotten: Rediscovering the Lady Head Vase

Vintage head vases—those charming ceramic planters shaped like elegant ladies, celebrities, or glamorized characters—once graced florists' shelves and gift shops across America. Popular from the 1940s through the early 1970s, these whimsical vases were initially designed for floral arrangements but quickly became coveted collectibles.

• Relpo (Reliable Glass & Pottery Co.) – Known for elaborate lady head vases with applied lashes, jewelry, and seasonal themes

• Rubens Originals – Produced expressive, often whimsical faces with painted details

• Inarco (International Artware Corporation) – Created elegant, fashionable designs with sculptural detail

• Ucagco (United China and Glass Company) – Offered both glamour and religious-themed vases, often imported from Japan

• Lefton – Known for high-quality porcelain and seasonal designs, including Christmas head vases

• Florence Ceramics – Focused on elegant and often more formal depictions

• Shafford – Produced charming, sometimes childlike figures, often with rosy cheeks and stylized features

• Brinn’s – Created mid-century figurines, including a few novelty and holiday head vases

Maker marks may be located on the bottom of the vase; however, more often, a foil sticker with the company's name identifies the vase. Depending on the condition and care of the vase, this sticker may have worn off.

If you're interested in collecting head vases, it's essential to do your research. Due to the current popularity of these vases, many unscrupulous companies have mass-produced copies. A recent search on eBay revealed numerous counterfeit versions. If you are serious about collecting, it would be wise to join a head vase collecting club.

There are also many informative price books available that can guide you on the marks to look for and what to avoid. As with other collectibles, it's crucial to collect what you love as if you want to sell it in the future, the value may not be there. Expect to pay between $25 and $600 for a head vase.

Collectors today look for several key traits when valuing vintage head vases:

• Detailed craftsmanship – Applied lashes, hand-painted features, or realistic accessories like earrings and gloves

• Rarity – Vases featuring children, teens, or religious icons like the Madonna are less common and more collectible

• Condition – Chips, crazing, or missing parts significantly lower the value

• Original labels or markings – Stickers from brands like Napco, Inarco, or Relpo increase resale potential

  Search Tip: To track current prices, try searching phrases like "rare Napco head vase with pearl earrings" or "vintage Madonna planter with Inarco label" on eBay or Etsy.

Vintage Christmas head vases bring a nostalgic sparkle to any holiday display. Produced mainly from the 1950s through the 1970s, these festive ceramics often feature ladies in Santa hats, holly-trimmed bonnets, snowflake detailing, or glamorous winter fashion accessories. Some even include tiny gold bells, glitter accents, or red-and-green rhinestones.

Collectors love them because they combine two top niches: holiday collectibles and mid-century ceramics.

Popular Christmas Head Vase Themes:
Santa Claus heads with a jolly expression and a stylized beard

• Holiday glamour girls wearing fur-trimmed hats or mufflers
• Angels, choir girls, or nativity-themed heads, often from religious lines
• Children with candy canes, wreaths, or mistletoe accessories
• These vases were made by many of the top manufacturers of the era, including:
• Napco – Famous for red-cheeked Christmas girls and Santa planters
• Inarco – Known for glitter-dusted hats and expressive faces
• Relpo and Rubens – Produced Santa mugs and head vases, often confused with each other
• Lefton and Brinn’s – Created holiday-themed figurines and matching vase lines

Holiday Collecting Tip
Look for original stickers, dated holiday stamps, or sets with matching figurines or planters. Some of the rarest designs include Christmas choir girls with applied music sheets and angelic Madonna vases with gilded halos.

What are vintage head vases used for?
Originally designed for florists, these vases held flower arrangements. Today, they’re cherished for display, especially in mid-century modern or retro home decor.

Where can I buy vintage head vases in 2025?
Check Etsy, eBay, Ruby Lane, and local estate sales or antique malls. Look for makers like Napco, Relpo, Enesco, and Lefton.

How do I identify an authentic vintage head vase?
Look for original maker's marks, Japan imports, or paper labels. Authentic vases often have a more refined glaze, sculpted hair and facial features, and better paintwork.

Are head vases a good investment?
While prices fluctuate, well-kept and rare head vases—especially limited-edition, holiday, or celebrity designs—can retain or increase in value, especially if the nostalgia trend continues.

With the renewed interest in retro aesthetics, vintage head vases are trending again in Pinterest searches, YouTube thrifting videos, and Instagram vintage home tours. Paired with floral arrangements or used as statement shelf decor, they fit right into the popular cottagecore, grandmillennial, and mid-century modern vibes.