The Value of Vintage Ceramics and Porcelain

Get the estimated and true worth of Antique and Vintage Ceramics. Get Value of old Ceramics and Porcelain but first a quick introduction of both categories.

Porcelain has become popular over the last couple of decades and collectors are looking for rare and authentic pieces. We have put together a shortlist of vintage kitchenware, wall plates and the most sought after figurines, cups and saucers. The value is based on research and the most recent auctions.

Although porcelain may seem like a fragile and antiquated material, there is actually a lot of value and sentimental value placed in antique porcelain. Porcelain is a material that has been around for centuries, and has changed very little throughout that time. This is because porcelain is a very durable material and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This is why antique porcelain is often very valuable and difficult to find.

Porcelain is often used as a collectors item because it has a lot of history behind it. Porcelain was first created in China in the 4th century AD, and it spread quickly throughout Europe. In the 16th century, the Dutch created what is considered to be the first majolica tile, which is a type of porcelain. Majolica is a type of porcelain that is decorated with a variety of tiles and was very popular during the Renaissance.

The Value of Vintage Ceramics and Porcelain Checklist

Baskets are very prone to damage which will, of course reduce the price. Is is also worth noting that any regilding will greatly reduce value. When buying check for the following

• Cracks across the rims
• Chips to applied decoration such as flowers
• Cracks to the links of relliswork
• Damage to the handles
• Wear to the interior and gilding

How do I know if my ceramics are valuable?

There are many reasons why you may want to know the value of vintage ceramics and porcelain and by how much. You could be looking to sell it, know the price needed for its insurance, settlement, probate, trust planning, or collection. Whatever the case, it is important to know the worth of your ceramics.

Different pieces of ceramics are valued differently based on factors or criteria that are discussed in the article. We will also outline ways you can determine the approximate value of your art ceramics.

Follow the 6 Steps to determine The Value of Vintage Ceramics and Porcelain

 Condition of the vintage piece

The condition of a piece of vintage ceramic will dictate its value. Pieces in perfect shape is called “mint condition” What this mean is that it is in good shape with no cracks, chips or broken pieces and basically, it is as good as new. Porcelain or Ceramics that is in mint condition is extremely valuable.

Old pieces that are still in mint condition tend to attract high prices in the market and during auctions. These pieces have an original finish and have not undergone repair or restoration, hence the high value.

No matter how minor it is, damage can really affect the value of a piece. For instance, a small crack can significantly bring down the value of a glass item. Things that you should look at to determine the condition of your pottery include chips, cracks, signs of repair, and broken noses or missing fingers if you own a figurine.

Rarity of Ceramics and Porcelain

When items are rare, it means that there are not many of them around. Therefore, only a few people own that type of pottery. The rarity of ceramics can be due to several factors. For one, it could be because the item stopped being produced a long time ago or that some pieces broke due to constant usage.

It could also be because only a few pieces were made, perhaps because most people could not afford it at the time. It is also a possibility that the item was made in large numbers, but only a few pieces remain today. This is the case with pottery, such as porcelain dishes and crystal stemware.

Pieces with unique designs, unusual colors, and uncommon sizes and shapes also qualify as rare items. These items tend to be hard to reproduce and are very valuable.

Authenticity of your Antique Piece

How original is the piece? The authenticity of an item depends on how real and original it is. To determine the authenticity of pottery, there are factors you would have to put into consideration.

Firstly, check if it has a signature or markings on the base and if these are genuine.

Secondly, check the time period indicated on the piece and determine whether it is correct. Also, research on the maker of the piece and establish if they are the real artists behind the art. Also, handmade pieces have more air of authenticity about them, and they tend to fetch top dollar compared to other pieces.

To accurately determine the authenticity of pottery, you ought to know how to check factors like the texture, color, materials, and design of a piece. As expected, the more authentic your pottery is the higher its value.

Aesthetics

An aesthetic piece is one that has all its elements blended together in perfect harmony. The colors compliment each other and go with the patterns and the size of the piece producing an overall pleasant appearance.

Usually, aesthetic value is personal, and what is appealing for one person may not be very appealing for the next person. So, pieces with a universal aesthetic appeal tend to be very valuable as they are a rare find.

Desirability and Demand

Is the item in demand? Are people willing to pay top dollar to acquire such a piece? Do your due diligence and see what the current market situation looks like concerning your ceramics or porcelain. If many people are interested in acquiring it, then it is desirable and, subsequently, valuable.

Provenance

Provenance refers to the record of past ownership of a piece. If past owners are well-known, high-status persons, then the value of the piece increases. Porcelain is also very valuable when it has a rich history; for instance, a piece that has been passed down through generations like an heirloom becomes super important.

Usually, it is easier to trace the ownership record of contemporary pieces than much older ones. In any case, ceramic that has impressive provenance has a much higher value than those without.

Changes in the Ceramic and Porcelain Production

Mechanized industry in the 19th century brought about huge changes in ceramic production, and gave us bone china, pealware, ironstone, parian, majolica and all manner of revived styles and patents.

Huge quantities of ware were produced, particularly in Staffordshire, some of great quality, others more prosaic. It is noticeable how many of the pieces here would not qualify as ‘under f 1,000 / € 1,400 / $1,650’ without some degree of damage.

It is vital for collectors to know how to spot clever restoration, repaintin regilding or where a vase has been cut down and thus ‘losing’ the damage to the neck or foot of a vase. Knowing to what extent damage matters is important, some areas of collecting, particularly pottery such as delftware or majolica, a degree of damage is acceptable, but damage to porcelain is often extremely detrimental to the value. Knowing where to look is often an important first step for collectors. The past few years have seen a number of notable auction sales that highlight the fact there is wide interest in ceramics.

Here are some Examples of Valuable Ceramics. To see the full list go to our Value and Prices page and select porcelain and ceramics

Which is more valuable porcelain or ceramic?

While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences.  Vintage Porcelain pieces are therefore more expensive than old ceramic pieces

The most exciting sale of 18th-century English porcelain, at least since the fabulous two sales of the Rous Lench Collection in 1896 and 1990, was the famous sale of Dr. Bernard Watney’s Collection by Phillips. The sale was held in three parts and focused on rarities, particularly blue ant] white wares from Worcester, Longton Hall, Limehouse and the Liverpool factories.

Although some pieces did fetch five-figure sums, many could easily have found themselves illustrated in the page of this book. All manner of ceramics sales are held both in London and around the country Some will be only for the super-rich such as the biannual London sales of fine Chinese ceramics, where rarities from from Song and Ming Dynasties cab fetch six or seven- figure sums.

Whether your interest leads you to heraldry and armorials, to the Chinese export trade with Europe and America, to political satire porcelain or even moustache cups, pottery and porcelain offer a world of possibilities to new collectors. The following paragraph will show the wealth of variety from Tang Dynasty China, the famous Ming Dynasty and the prolific Qing reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong to the 18th-century age of elegance represented by the great European factories of Meissen, Sévres, Chelsea and Worcester.

For the rest of us, there are sales dedicated to Clarice Cliff, Royal Worcester, Doulton, Royal commemoratives, as well as many others Complementing the auctions, there are many antiques fairs, some of the biggest in the UK are London’s Olympia, the Birmingham NEC, Newark and Ardingly, and in the US the New York International Fine Art Fair and a number of good fairs at Palm Beach, Florida.

The most important advice for the new collector is to know your subject. Find out what books are available and where to get them. It is now possible to view online many dealers’ stock and auction catalogues and there are specialist auction search services which ensure that collectors never miss the chance to buy rarities, be they Lowestoft, Susie Cooper or ceramics relating to Admiral Lord Nelson.

How do I know if my ceramics are valuable?

There are many reasons why you may want to know the value of vintage ceramics and porcelain and by how much. You could be looking to sell it, know the price needed for its insurance, settlement, probate, trust planning, or collection. Whatever the case, it is important to know the worth of your ceramics.

Different pieces of ceramics are valued differently based on factors or criteria that are discussed in the article. We will also outline ways you can determine the approximate value of your art ceramics.

Which is more valuable porcelain or ceramic?

While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences.  Vintage Porcelain pieces are therefore more expensive than old ceramic pieces

What is the most expensive Ceramic Pottery?

A tiny Ru-ware brush washer has become the world’s most expensive ceramic after it was sold at Hong Kong Sotheby’s for a record-breaking price. The brush washer from the late Northern Song (960-1127) went to auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong this morning and the bidding started at HK$80m

What is Provenance and Why is it important?

Provenance refers to the record of past ownership of a piece. If past owners are well-known, high-status persons, then the value of the piece increases. Porcelain is also very valuable when it has a rich history; for instance, a piece that has been passed down through generations like an heirloom becomes super important.

Usually, it is easier to trace the ownership record of contemporary pieces than much older ones. In any case, ceramic that has impressive provenance has a much higher value than those without.

The Value of Vintage Ceramics and Porcelain

Our website is all about antique value. Find many categories to choose from including kitchenware, coins, medals, rare books and much more. Visit our Rare Pieces and Resources page for more information on the value of antiques.

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