Have a question about your head vase? Just ask us. Send us your inquiry and feel free to attach any clear photos and/or jpg files. Please note that we will reply to as many questions as possible, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to answer them all, nor will we be able to reply personally. Our priority is answering questions that would be beneficial to the most people possible. Please be sure to include email address with your question. All questions and comments will be updated and posted on the first of every month.

QUESTION: I am a huge fan of Carol Channing and heard that there is a Carol Channing head vase. Is that true or just a rumor?
—C.C. Warwick, Los Angles, CA

ANSWER: Yes and No. There is one head vase that people refer to as the"Carol Channing head vase." The piece is produced by RUBENS and is marked "K800" at the bottom. I don't really know how the head vase assumed this name—I don't think that Ms. Channing ever gave permission to loan her identity to the piece. However, the head vase itself does bear some resemblance to her. I have enclosed the picture, so you can judge for yourself.

QUESTION: I have a lot of head vases that have lost their original paint.
Should I repaint them? —D. Anderson, Houston, Texas

ANSWER: Repainting your head vases will most likely devalue your collection. The more original they are, the better. If you are collecting them as an investment, then I would advise against it.

QUESTION: I discovered a lot of my head vases are marked with this symbol. What is this logo? Can you tell me a little bit about them?
—M. Fitzpatrick, Cleveland, Ohio

ANSWER: It is a RUBENS ORIGINALS logo. The company dates back to 1947, when Reuben Steinman took over his father's U.S. Bag & Supply Company in Los Angeles. He renamed the business Rubens Originals, changing his own name to match the spelling of the famous painter. The very first Rubens Originals Head Vase Planter appeared in 1956. The company is still in business today, importing a variety of Japanese art ware, such as novelty pottery and floral containers.

QUESTION: Is the word(s) "head vase" one word or two words?
—Cliff Livingston, Knoxville, Tennessee

ANSWER: Good question. Technically, "head vase" is two words, though the collectible has appeared both ways in magazines and on Web sites. It seems that as head vases have grown in popularity, it is more and more common to see "headvase" written as one word (perhaps people are just too lazy to hit the space bar!). However, unlike certain "head" derivations (headphone, headrest, headwaiter), Webster's Dictionary still lists "head vase" as two words.

QUESTION: I am a relative newcomer to head vases with a growing collection. I'm just curious about crazing on head vases: How much it might affect the value of a particular piece?
—Confused in San Francisco, CA

ANSWER: Crazing is natural and is therefore not considered "damage." Occasionally, it happens prematurely due to lack of humidity in the storage of a vase. Therefore, one that ages "prematurely" is of less value than one that does not. However, sometimes I think that crazing actually adds more character to the piece.

QUESTION: How can I prevent buying head vases that have hairlines or chips?
—Richard Lee, Alexandria, VA

ANSWER: Well. It's crucial to read descriptions carefully if you buy them online. You may need to ask questions if the information that you want to know is not in description. Most reputable online merchants will take their products back if they are misrepresented. If you buy head vases from flea markets or stores, then you need to look at those items carefully since most such sales are final. To locate a chip easily, gently move your finger around the entire head vase. One way to identify a hairline crack is to hold it up to the light.

QUESTION: I have two identical head vases from the same manufacturer. One of these head vases has crazing and another one is missing her pinky finger. Do they have the same value?
—Tiffany Thomas, Orlando, FL

ANSWER: Since I don't know what head vase were you referring to, it is hard to say. However, my guess is the missing-finger one will be worth much less than the one that has crazing. The missing-finger head vase would be considered a damaged piece, and a lot of collectors won't buy damaged head vases unless they are rare.

QUESTION:I am starting to collect head vases. Can you tell me the best way to buy them at reasonable prices? Is an online auction a good way to buy them? —Bernice Swann, Chicago, IL

ANSWER: There are no rules. Buying head vases online, at an auction, from flea markets or antique stores can all produce the same results and come with the same degree of risk. It really depends on how bad you want the particular piece. I recently brought a piece by bidding online and didn't realize that I overbid (by approximately 20% over the market price). Still, I didn't mind because I would never be able to find this particular piece in my neighborhood. Sometimes, people go overboard when it comes to bidding and end up paying way more than they were originally willing to—only because of the competitive spirit and excitement involved in auctions. My advice to you is to be an educated consumer. Do your homework. You should know the estimated value of what you want to buy and bargain with the seller if you can. My theory is you are the winner if you love the piece and think that you are getting a reasonable price.

QUESTION: How can you tell the different between brand new head vases and old ones?
—Betty Stanford, Nevada, LV

ANSWER: You must be an educated consumer and know your stuff. Generally you can tell if a head vase is new or not just by looking at it. You should ask direct questions if you see them online and are not sure. I usually won't buy them online if any of the seller's answers is "I don't know." But then again, I wouldn't mind buying a head vase if I can get a great price. After all, new head vases will be very collectible 50 years from now. (I hope!)

QUESTION: Are there any glamorous black lady head vases?
—Mike Gannon, Saint Paul, MN

ANSWER: Yes, there are a few. You are right that most glamorous head vases are white. I am enclosing one of my all time favorites to show you online. She was produced by "TOPLINE IMPORTS, INC" of Japan and marked 50/424. Her estimated value is between $75-150 depending on her condition.

QUESTION: Can you define the meaning of "poor", "good", and "very good" conditions for head vases? —Deborah, Arlington, VA

ANSWER: That information is located in the price guide section of Head Vase Museum. Please keep in mind that people (experts and novice collectors alike) have different opinions about the definition of head vase conditions.

QUESTION: Last month I saw a head vase that doubled as an ashtray. Is it for real?
—R. B. Emerson, Buffalo, NY

ANSWER: Yes. Head vases come in different forms such as ashtrays, lipstick holders, headlamps and more.

QUESTION: Can you explain to me the meaning of an "open eyes head vase"?
—Dorothy Grapes, Cincinnati, OH

ANSWER: The answer is so simple: It's any head vase that features a lady whose eyes are open. Usually the eyes will be painted, and "closedeyes head vases" usually (but not always) will have long lashes.

QUESTION: Do you consider all new head vases that are produced in recent years "fake head vases"?

ANSWER: Not all new head vase designs qualify as fake. In my opinion, fake head vases are ones that copy or replicate the same design as vintage head vases. I have seen many of these in the market. They usually have no mark on them and often look cheap or demonstrate very poor craftsmanship. A lot of people have bought fake head vases online, mistaking them for vintage head vases. To prevent this, you must ask the dealer directly. Most knowledgeable dealers will be able to tell you. Still, there are quiet a few original and wonderful head vases that have entered the market in recent years. They are usually identifiable and inexpensive. Now is a good time to buy them because one day they may become collectibles and just as valuable as the current vintage head vases.

QUESTION: I came across your website and I love it. I just began
collecting head vases and I love them. I just purchased one off an auction and it has a manufacturer flaw on her nose I found out afterwards of course. So I was wondering if she is still valuable for future sale? Thanks for your help.
—Sue

ANSWER: Manufacturer flaws are not considered as damage unless that they are severe flaws. Of course, the value of the perfect one will be higher.