Blue porcelain vase with gold flecks
Description
I found this decorative porcelain vase this afternoon around 2:15pm, sitting on the stone ledge outside the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, near the main entrance on State Street. It's about 8 inches tall with a cobalt blue glaze and subtle gold flecks, clearly hand-painted. There’s a tiny chip on the rim and a faint signature 'AK 23' etched on the bottom. I figured someone might be missing a piece like this from a studio or sentimental display, so I’m putting it up here in case the owner recognizes it and wants it back. It feels special and I’d be glad to help reunite it with its owner.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.