A mystery object has been identified. And more than 75 readers — some from as far away as Florida — had lots of fun in the process.

On Aug. 13, I asked folks to weigh in on the identity of an object I first viewed last June at an appraisal clinic. I was stumped. But I contacted a good pal who led me to someone capable of solving the puzzle.

The answer was so intriguing I decided to put antiques lovers to the test. The responses were many and varied, but Debbie Hubbard (Gilroy), Sandra Hall (Eureka), Lyn Park (San Jose) as well as Caroline Lynch (Seal Beach) correctly recognized the item as an ivy vase.

Made using transferware designs, the piece was produced by the English firm Maling and exported to the United States in the 1950s. A potted ivy plant was set into the recessed area, allowing its tendrils to cascade down the sides of the (more...)