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Sascha Brastoff dinnerware inspires collector

Q. Enclosed is a photo of a set of dinnerware I own. It is a large collection of Sascha Brastoff dishes with the "Surf Ballet" turquoise and platinum pattern. I bought the set for $425 at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and am planning to design the color scheme for my new kitchen around these beautiful, unique dishes. Brastoff also made the Surf Ballet dishes in pink, black and white; the turquoise and platinum color scheme is rare and usually only found in single pieces rather than a complete dinnerware set. I have nine full place settings, which include dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, soup bowls, dessert bowls and dessert plates. I have 89 dishes altogether. With the exception of one bowl that has a chip, the set is in pristine condition.

What do you estimate these dishes are worth?

A. American designer and artist Sascha Brastoff was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He studied at the Western Reserve School of Art. After serving in the army during World War II he opened a ceramic studio in Los Angeles in 1947. His Surf Ballet dinnerware was produced in the 1950s and '60s, and it exemplified midcentury modern design. Each piece was decorated with a matte marbleized glaze that had a slight metallic appearance. Brastoff left his company in 1962, but his wares were still produced under his name until 1973. He died in 1993 at the age of 75.

Your complete set would probably be worth $2,000 to $3,000. A coffee pot with a creamer, sugar bowl and matching tray sell for around $400 online.

Kay Finch Pottery was located in Corina Del Mar, California.

Q. This mark is incised on the bottom of a of a cat figurine. It measures approximately 6 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches. She has lavender ears with a blue outline and a blue tail with white fur. Her eyes are closed, and she has black eyelashes. My friend has a collection of cat figurines, and this is one I have always admired. She told me the figurine is called "Jezebel."

I would never part with it but would like to know more about its history.

A. Your Jezebel figurine was made by Kay Finch Pottery in Corona Del Mar, California. Kay Finch and her husband, Braden, opened their small pottery studio and showroom in 1941. She made figurines of animals and birds, and she specialized in dogs. She closed operations after the passing of her husband. Jezebel was also available in a 2-inch-by-2-inch miniature version.

Your figurine would probably be worth $50 to $75.

• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate

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