Vintage Red Wing Charles Murphy M1439 Art Pottery Vase 1950s Mid Century Modern Petal Foot Fleck Glaze

A striking example of Charles E. Murphy’s Mid Century Modern work for Red Wing Potteries, this sculptural M1439 art pottery vase dates to approximately 1954–1955, during Murphy’s influential second period with the Minnesota pottery. Red Wing used the “M” prefix for Murphy-designed forms after his 1953 return, and this distinctive design combines a broad flared rim with strong vertical relief and an unusual eight-petal flower or lotus-style foot. The architectural body and stylized botanical treatment make M1439 especially appealing to collectors of Red Wing, Charles Murphy pottery, 1950s American ceramics, and Mid Century Modern decorative art.

The glaze treatment gives this example exceptional visual presence. Its exterior has a finely flecked golden buff to warm brown finish that emphasizes the raised petal and ribbed details, while the glossy interior provides dramatic contrast, beginning in vivid chartreuse-yellow around the rim and transitioning through amber and deep caramel brown toward the base. Murphy introduced Red Wing’s Fleck glaze treatments during this period, and contrasting yellow interiors are documented on other M-series forms from approximately 1955. While the exact factory name for this particular exterior glaze combination has not been confirmed, its coloration and surface treatment are strongly characteristic of Murphy-era Red Wing production.

Marked on the underside “RED WING USA M1439.” Measures approximately 5 5/8 inches tall with a broad 4 1/2-inch rim diameter. The photographs show the remarkable molded botanical construction, contrasting interior glaze and characteristic flecked surface in detail. A distinctive collector piece that bridges Red Wing art pottery, Charles Murphy design, 1950s modernism, botanical ceramics and vintage American studio-inspired decor.