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Have you ever purchased pottery at a thrift shop and wondered how to tell if pottery is valuable or not? There’s nothing like the feeling of finding, and bringing home, a piece of pottery that turns out to be worth something!
People often find amazing pieces in good condition at thrift stores, flea markets, and second-hand shops. What catches your eye when you’re looking for pottery?
I look for bold, geometric designs that have a bit of a shine. Anything with large cracks or missing sections stay on the shelf. Broken pottery isn’t valuable to anybody.
I avoid pieces that are clearly mass-produced in favor of something uniquely crafted.
With the growing interest in antique pottery, it makes sense that people want to know how to tell if pottery is valuable or not.
In this post, I’m going to explain the best ways to evaluate a piece of pottery.
My Experience With Pottery Making
I was a little girl the first time I saw someone making pottery. I don’t remember a lot about the event other than how mesmerized I was.
I’m sure the woman was creating something beautiful, but all I remember was how badly I wanted to cup my hands around that slick, slippery clay.
I vaguely remember being allowed to try it, but I’m sure all I did was make a mess. But hey, what’s a little creativity without mess!
I’ve dabbled in pottery making over the years, but I suppose my career, marriage, and child-rearing kept me busy. Now that I’m retired, I’m thinking of taking it up as a hobby, whether that means making my own or looking for valuable thrifted items.
Why We Want to Know if Pottery is Valuable or Not
People have different reasons for wanting to learn how to tell if pottery is valuable. Your reasons could be completely different from mine.
You may have a financial interest, or maybe you’re a collector looking to curate only high-quality pieces.
Other reasons for wanting to learn how to tell if pottery is valuable include the following:
- Recognizing valuable pottery deepens an appreciation for the art form.
- Valuable pottery often carries a significant cultural or historical importance.
- Collectors may want to preserve antique pieces
- Family heirlooms can have sentimental value. Knowing its financial worth adds to its appreciation.
- People want to ensure that what they own (or plan to buy) is genuine and not a reproduction or fake.
- Some pottery is valuable not just for its history or financial significance, but also for its practical use.
- There is something to be said for the thrill of the find.
- High-value pottery may need to be insured against loss or damage.
Pottery Value Basics for Beginners
As someone new to learning which pottery is valuable, I’d probably look for pieces that have unique shapes and a maker’s mark, which is often found at the bottom of the piece.
What I’m learning, however, is that the value of a pottery piece often depends on several key factors.
These factors include the condition, age, maker, and design of the pottery. Consider yourself lucky to find a piece in mint condition without any minor damage.
The exception to that rule would be if the piece were exceptionally rare or had historic significance. Most times, however, visiable signs of wear can decrease the value.
Pottery with famous names like Josiah Wedgwood, Rookwood Pottery, and Royal Doulton command higher prices.
The color of the clay, the type of glaze, and the firing process also play a significant role in the value of the pottery. Certain materials like hard-paste porcelain or fine stoneware are more valuable due to their durability and craftsmanship.
How to tell if pottery is valuable based on clay color, glaze, and firing process.
This might be tricky for a beginner to detect valuable pottery. That said, I’ve listed a few things to help get you started.
Clay Color
The color of the clay can provide valuable clues about a pottery piece’s quality and value.
White clay, used for stoneware or porcelain, is typically associated with higher-quality items, especially hard-paste porcelain, which is durable and finely crafted.
Red-brown clay, commonly used in earthenware or terracotta pottery, may not be as valuable as porcelain but can still be sought after if it features intricate designs or comes from a well-known maker.
Pottery made from clays with visible inclusions, like speckles or small rocks, often indicates rustic, handmade pieces, though it may only hold high value if it’s rare or historically significant.
Glaze Type
The type of glaze plays a significant role in pottery value.
For example, a glossy or transparent glaze is typically found on high-quality pieces like porcelain and fine stoneware. You’ll recognize it by the piece’s smooth, refined appearance.
Crackle glaze, where fine cracks appear intentionally, is common in antique ceramics, particularly from Chinese porcelain or European pieces of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Matte glazes are common in rustic or handmade pottery, such as Native American or studio pottery, but tend to be less valuable.
Raku glazes, with their distinctive metallic or crackled finish, can be valuable, especially if crafted by a renowned artist.
Firing Process
The firing process significantly impacts pottery’s durability and value.
For example, high-fired pottery, like stoneware and porcelain, is more durable due to the high-temperature firing process.
The fact that it requires skilled craftmanship makes it more valuable.
Low-fired pottery, like earthenware, is more poroud and fragile. It’s generally less durable and, for that reason, less valuable.
Raku-fired pottery can be valuable, especially if made by a renowned potter or within a recognized tradition.
Pottery Studio Supplies
Since we’re talking about pottery, I thought you might want to know more about supplies and what to buy for your own studio.
You can read 7 Vital Pottery Studio Supplies, Equipment, and Tools now for more information.
Is Pottery Microwave Safe
This is a commonly asked question, and I thought I’d add it to this post for your reference.
Read the blog post: Is Pottery Microwave Safe for more information. Other posts you might enjoy include:
Cool Pottery Ideas for Beginner to Advanced Potters
7 Vital Pottery Studio Supplies, Equipment, and Tools
Tell-Tale Signs of Valuable Pottery
In addition to looking for the maker’s mark (pottery marks or stamps often found on the bottom of the piece), you can also assess clay color and glaze type as mentioned above.
Historical Significance
The value of pottery is often tied to its rich history and historical significance.
Antique ceramics can hold considerable value due to their connection to specific historical periods, regions, or cultural movements.
Chinese porcelain from the mid-18th century is highly valued by collectors due to its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Similarly, American pieces from the 19th centuries and early 20th century, such as Newcomb College Pottery and Roseville Pottery, are prized for their unique designs and the quality of craftsmanship.
These pieces reflect an important period in American pottery history, with collectors appreciating their historical and artistic significance.
In Europe, pottery from movements like Art Nouveau holds substantial value for its intricate designs and artistic innovation.
Antique stoneware jugs from this era are also in demand. The reason is because they represent important traditions in European ceramic artistry.
Native American pottery is known for its distinctive artistry that often features intricate patterns and storytelling designs.
Look for the Unusual
Careful evaluation is essential when determining whether a piece of pottery is valuable.
When taking a closer look at pottery, intricate designs, unusual shapes, and well-preserved details often indicate high value.
The reason for this is behind the skilled craftmanship and artistry required.
For beginners, referencing a reference book or consulting professional appraisals is essential. These resources offer crucial insights into identifying valuable pieces.
Researching the Maker’s Mark
A maker’s mark is a signature, logo, or symbol stamped, incised, or painted on a pottery piece. It’s used to indicate its creator or manufacturer.
It can appear anywhere on the pottery, but it is most commonly found at the bottom of the piece.
The mark can provide crucial information about the piece’s origin, age, and potential value.
Some potters also place the maker’s mark on the side or near the rim of the item. The marks are usually pressed into the clay before firing. They may be clear or slightly faded.
You might also find handwritten or painted marks, although they can be harder to read.
In some cases, especially with newer pottery, the mark might be a sticker or label.
When assessing the maker’s mark, look for the following:
- initials or names
- symbols
- numbers or dates
Rule of Thumb When Learning How to Tell if Pottery is Valuable
When trying to identify valuable pottery, look for pieces with unique characteristics. For example,
- Detailed and elaborate patterns could indicate a valuable piece.
- Pottery with hand-painted designs or custom patterns are highly priced.
- Look for pottery with distinctive or rare shapes. Abstract forms, asymmetry or innovative designs may increase the value.
- As mentioned earlier, check for a maker’s mark on the bottom of the piece.
- Glossy glazes or crackle glazes on Chinese porcelain or Art Nouveau ceramics are highly sought after.
- Pottery made from high-quality clay (like hard-paste porcelain or fine stoneware) tend to be more valuable.
- The firing process, for example techiques like raku firing, or specialized glaze finishes can have an impact on value.
- Look for pottery tired to a specific cultural tradition or historical period.
- The condition of the pottery is critical as well. Pieces in mint condition or those with minimal damage tend to be more valuable.
By looking for these characteristics, collectors can better identify valuable pottery and make informed decisions when purchasing or appraising ceramic items.
Resources for Learning How to Tell if Pottery is Valuable
There’s a lot to learn about the value of pottery. For that reason, I decided to include a list of resources that you can check out.
The Collector’s Guide to Pottery Marks
This website provides a comprehensive guide to pottery marks, helping identify makers and origin, which is crucial for determining a piece’s value.
The Collector’s Guide to Pottery Marks
Guide to Understanding Pottery Marks
This site offers a detailed list of pottery marks, focusing on European and American pottery, helping collectors identify valuable pieces from famous makers.
Guide to Understanding Pottery Marks
Antique Pottery Identification and Value
This page from Antiques Roadshow offers insight into identifying and valuing antique pottery, with information on the various factors that affect value, such as maker’s marks and historical significance.
Antique Pottery Identification and Value – Antiques Roadshow
Online Pottery Appraisals
Websites offering online pottery appraisals can be valuable resources for beginners. Some sites, such as Mearto.com allow users to upload photos of their pottery for expert evaluation and historical pricing trends.
Ceramic, Pottery, and Porcelain Appraisal
Value My Stuff Appraisals
The Little Pot Company
This site is a great starting point for beginners, offering a collection of guides on identifying pottery, understanding different glazes, and recognizing valuable pieces.
Rago Auctions
For those interested in auction prices and trends, Rago Auctions provides a valuable resource on how pottery is priced at auction, including descriptions of valuable types of pottery and their makers.
Ceramic Arts Network
This network provides resources for ceramic artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, offering articles, forums, and tutorials on evaluating pottery, understanding firing processes, and more.
The American Ceramic Society
Offering resources on ceramic history, techniques, and the value of ceramic items, this site helps collectors learn about different pottery types and trends in the pottery market.
These resources offer helpful information, from understanding pottery marks and glaze types to learning how to assess the historical value and craftsmanship of a piece.
How to Turn Your Pottery Craft Into a Side Hustle
There’s no question that many people have side hustles these days. The extra income can go a long way in making ends meet, saving for a vacation, or using the extra cash any way you want to.
If you’re interested in learning how to turn your hobby into a side hustle, read my latest post: How to Turn a Hobby Into a Side Hustle
More Hobbies to Explore
Hobbies are a great way to relax, socialize, meet new friends, and our creativity and hidden talents.
For more great posts on hobbies, I suggest these: 19 Easy and Fun Hobbies For Couples Over 50 and 69 Best Mind-Stimulating Hobbies For Men Over 60.
PS: You don’t have identify as “male” to consider the latter post suggestion.
You may also want to read: 23 Ultimate Hobbies for People Over 50 to Enjoy
Conclusion
Exploring the world of antique ceramics offers an exciting opportunity to learn about various cultures and artistic traditions.
Pottery provides a fascinating window into history and craftsmanship, making it a rewarding pursuit for collectors.
Have you discovered any valuable pottery? Share your findings or ask questions about specific pieces in the comments!
