Despite the fact that it is extremely uncommon compared to some of the other unknown California potteries, Vadna of California has two entries in Chipman’s scrapbook and a page in Bill Stern’s California Pottery book as well. It’s not listed in Lehner’s Marks, however. I haven’t seen any Vadna in person, but it does appear in auctions every now and again.

This pottery was based in Leucadia, right north of San Diego. It’s somewhat interesting to me, because I drove through the town once on the way back to Los Angeles from a day trip to San Diego. I wouldn’t have known I was driving through this tiny little town on Highway 101 if it wasn’t for a sign. I instantly recognized the name Leucadia, however, having just happened to read about it in Chipman’s book.

They are probably most well known for a series of surprisingly well-designed dinnerware, often dual colored and exhibiting the unusual addition of “wooden” handles, bases and other features. The dual coloring and curvy shape of some of the ware reminds me of Winfield, Heath or perhaps some sort of Russel Wright designed work.

Markings on the ware are often of the form “Vadna of California” or “Vadna Ware, Leucadia, California”. I believe they also may have made giftware in addition to dinnerware.

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