Vintage Hedi Schoop Dancing Lady Figural Vase 1940s California Pottery

A wonderfully theatrical example of vintage California art pottery, this Hedi Schoop dancing lady figural vase captures the glamour, movement, and playful sophistication that make Schoop’s work so distinctive.

Dating to the 1940s–1950s, the sculptural figure depicts an elegant dancer in motion, dressed in a luminous yellow bodice and sweeping ivory skirt embellished with hand-applied flowers in jewel-like shades of turquoise blue, lavender, rose, and yellow. Tiny green leaves weave among the dimensional blossoms, creating a richly decorative garland that continues around the skirt, wrists, bodice, and hair.

Her stylized face features closed eyes, softly painted lips, and glossy dark hair, while one arm lifts dramatically overhead to support a large textured basket or vessel balanced upon her head. The exaggerated pose and flowing skirt give the piece wonderful movement from every angle.

The basket atop her head incorporates an opening designed for flowers or decorative display, making this piece both sculpture and functional figural vase. A second recessed opening within the sweeping skirt adds further dimension to the form and enhances its dramatic silhouette.

The underside is hand-signed “Hedi Schoop,” identifying the celebrated Swiss-born artist and designer whose Hollywood studio became known for expressive figural ceramics during the golden age of California pottery.

At approximately 12 inches tall, this is a substantial and highly decorative piece with tremendous presence. Its bright yellow, creamy ivory, and multicolor floral palette feels especially at home in Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern, maximalist, Palm Beach Regency, vintage glamour, and collected eclectic interiors.

A joyful, sculptural piece of California pottery with unmistakable personality — whimsical, glamorous, and wonderfully theatrical.

Maker: Hedi Schoop
Origin: California, USA
Date: Circa 1940s–1950s
Material: Glazed ceramic pottery
Style: Mid-Century / California Pottery / Hollywood Regency / Figural Art Pottery
Colors: Ivory, yellow, blush pink, black, turquoise blue, lavender, rose, green
Dimensions: Approx. 12" H × 8" W × 5.5" D
Weight: Approx. 2.28 lbs
Function: Figural vase / flower holder / decorative sculpture

Condition: Mint vintage condition with no chips, cracks, crazing, repairs, or damage observed. The glaze remains bright and glossy, and the dimensional applied floral decoration is beautifully intact. The piece presents exceptionally well for its age. Please review photos closely as they form an important part of the condition description.

A rare and exuberant example of vintage Hedi Schoop pottery that feels less like a decorative accessory and more like a miniature piece of stagecraft.