Is There An App To Identify Old Pottery?

Antique and vintage pottery collecting has been a popular hobby for centuries. From ancient Greek vessels to flow blue transferware, pottery provides a tangible connection to the past. The variety of forms, glazes, designs, and purposes make pottery endlessly fascinating to study and collect. Tracking down rare pieces, learning about different eras and regions, and displaying your finds can be immensely rewarding.

This guide provides an overview of antique and vintage pottery collecting. It explores the history of pottery, major eras and styles, tips for identifying and valuing pieces, caring for your collection, and the joy of unearthing hidden treasures.

Brief History of Pottery

The origins of pottery making date back over 20,000 years. Some of the earliest known pottery vessels have been found in China, dating to between 20,000 – 10,000 BC. Pottery making began as a way for early human societies to store and transport food as they transitioned from nomadic hunters to settled farmers. The first clay vessels were made by hand, without the potter’s wheel, and fired over open fires.

In ancient China, pottery making flourished during the Neolithic period starting around 10,000 BC. During the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), Chinese potters developed advanced techniques like high-fire ceramics and glazed porcelain. The Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) is considered a golden era of Chinese ceramics, characterized by realistic artistic styles and glazed porcelain perfection.^[1]

In the West, the ancient Greeks and Romans produced fine pottery with painted artistic decoration. Amphorae were commonly produced as storage vessels. Terra sigillata was a popular Roman red slip pottery with molded decorations. During the Middle Ages in Europe, pottery was mostly utilitarian and unglazed.

The next major advancement came in the 18th century with the industrial revolution and the invention of the potter’s wheel. Staffordshire pottery in England became known worldwide by the late 1700s. In the 19th century, new production techniques allowed pottery to be mass-produced at lower costs.

Types of Old Pottery

Pottery can be classified into different types based on the clay material and manufacturing technique. Some of the main types of antique pottery include:

Earthenware

Earthenware is made from clay fired at lower temperatures around 1,000°C – 1,150°C. It is porous and coarser compared to other types. Popular regional styles of antique earthenware pottery include Delftware from the Netherlands, Astbury and Staffordshire slipware from England, and Native American pottery.

Stoneware

Stoneware clay requires firing at higher temperatures between 1,200°C – 1,300°C. It results in a harder, denser, and more durable material. Well-known antique stoneware styles are jugs and crocks from Germany and salt-glazed pottery from England and America.

Porcelain

Porcelain is fired at the highest temperatures above 1,300°C. It has a glass-like translucent white appearance. Antique Chinese porcelain like Ming Dynasty pieces and Japanese Imari porcelain are highly valued. French porcelain from Sèvres and German porcelain from Meissen are also collected.

Determining the Age

There are several ways to help determine the age and authenticity of antique pottery pieces without advanced scientific testing. Some key things to look for include:

Examine the style and decorative designs. Styles and patterns can be strong indicators of the time period and culture of origin. For example, the Willow pattern on Chinese export porcelain first emerged in the late 18th century during the Qing dynasty, while Greek key patterns were common in ancient Greek pottery.

Inspect any identifying maker’s marks or signatures, which can directly date the piece if the artist is known. Marks like “Made in Occupied Japan” help date items to 1945-1952 after WWII. Look up any marks to verify authenticity. According to The Pottery Wheel, fakes may mimic real marks.

Assess the wear and tear. Signs of age like crazing, staining, dulled glaze, or small chips can differentiate true antiques from distressed modern knock-offs. Examine if wear appears authentic under magnification. Be wary of excessive damage that may indicate a damaged reproduction.

Consider the materials and methods used in production. For example, evidence of wheel throwing and high-fired glazes helps verify pre-Industrial era Roman or Greek pottery. Look for signs of hand-thrown construction for Early American or Native American works.

Having knowledge of pottery history and styles provides important context for evaluation. Consult an expert appraiser if uncertain about authenticity or age.

Maker’s Marks

One of the most important clues in identifying antique pottery is the maker’s mark. Marks were used by potters and manufacturers to identify their work. There are several main types of marks to look for:

• Impressed or raised marks: These are created by stamps pressed into the clay. The mark may include initials, names, logos, numbers or symbols.
• Incised or carved marks: These are cut or etched into the clay with a tool. Again, they display information like initials, names, numbers, etc.
• Paper labels: Many companies used paper stickers to mark their pottery. These are still visible on some antiques.
• Painted or glaze marks: Some information was hand-painted onto the piece in glaze or underglaze.
• Stamped marks: These impressions were made with a stamp into the wet clay before firing.

Marks can indicate the pottery’s origins, date, artist, and manufacturing information. Studying reference guides to identify key potters’ marks can help date and authenticate antique pieces.

Condition and Wear

One of the easiest ways to identify if a piece of pottery is antique or vintage is to examine it closely for signs of age and wear. Pottery that has been around for decades or longer will likely have some natural imperfections from being handled over time.

Look for small cracks, chips, dents, or scratches in the glaze or clay body. These are common occurrences in antique pottery and can help date a piece. The glaze may also be worn thin in areas that would commonly be handled, like rims or bases of plates, cups, and bowls. Check areas that would rest on surfaces when in use.

Fading or discoloration of painted decorations can be another indicator of age. Bright vibrant colors tend to dull over many years. This is especially noticeable in pieces with floral motifs. The colors tend to blend and mute compared to a newer brightly painted porcelain piece. Even quality glazes can degrade over long periods of time.

Other signs like clouding or haziness in the glaze or crazing of the glaze into a spiderweb-like pattern of cracks are also common in antique pottery. Examining all sides and angles carefully under good lighting can help reveal small imperfections accumulated over decades of use before ending up in your hands.

If a piece looks too pristine and perfect, it’s more likely to be a modern reproduction. Some high quality antiques in excellent condition can defy this, but most old pottery will bear some small mark of its age and provenance.

Popular Collectible Styles

Some of the most sought after antique pottery styles include:

Art Deco

Art Deco pottery flourished during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by bold geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and vivid colors like black, gold, and silver. Some of the most valuable Art Deco pottery was produced by makers like Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper in England and Russel Wright in America. Pieces featuring the iconic Clarice Cliff Bizarre patterns are especially desirable.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau pottery is known for its whiplash lines, curved forms, and nature-inspired motifs like flowers and insects. Well-known Art Nouveau potters include the Martin Brothers in England and Taxile Doat in France. Highly collectible makers like Grueby Faience in America produced iconic green glazed vessels featuring Art Nouveau designs. The style was popular from around 1890 to 1910.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern pottery from the 1940s to 1960s features simple, clean shapes and bold colors and patterns. Famous makers include Sascha Brastoff in America and Lucie Rie in Britain. Collectors covet postwar Italian pottery from companies like Bitossi and Mazzeri. The atomic and sputnik designs of Sascha Brastoff and Susie Cooper’s abstract patterns are especially in-demand.

Valuing Old Pottery

There are several factors that determine the value of antique and vintage pottery pieces:

Rarity – Rare or limited production pieces tend to be more valuable. Pottery produced by smaller studios in limited quantities has greater collectibility.

Maker – The renown of the artist or studio affects value. Pieces by famous ceramic artists and major studios like Rookwood, Grueby, and Roseville command higher prices.

Condition and Restoration – Pottery in excellent original condition has the highest value. Damage, repairs, and excessive wear decrease value. Subtle normal wear is acceptable but chips, cracks, and amateur repairs detract significantly. Professional restoration can help in some cases.

Style – Certain styles are more prized by collectors and demand higher prices. For example, arts and crafts, art nouveau, art deco, mid-century modern, and other popular historical styles often carry premiums.

Provenance – Knowing the history and previous owners of a piece adds to its story and perceived value. Documented provenance helps justify higher valuations.

Caring for Antique Pieces

Caring for antique porcelain and pottery properly is important to preserve their condition and value. Here are some best practices for cleaning, storage, and displaying your antique pieces:

When cleaning antique pottery, avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they can damage the surface. For lightly soiled pieces, wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth. For more stubborn dirt, create a mild cleaning solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap or ammonia, and soak the item to loosen debris. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking porous pieces like unglazed pottery too long, as it can seep into the material.

For storage, wrap pieces individually in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap to prevent scratching the surface. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity fluctuations to prevent cracking or fading. Placing pieces in archival boxes and shelving them securely can protect from dust buildup and potential damage from shifting.

When displaying antique pottery, avoid placing pieces in direct sunlight or near heating vents where temperature fluctuations can occur. Use felt pads under pottery to prevent scratches. Handle pieces carefully by their base or handles, and dust gently with a soft cloth to keep their condition pristine.

With proper cleaning, storage, and display, antique pottery can be preserved in excellent condition for generations to enjoy.

Conclusion

Antique pottery collecting can be a fascinating hobby full of history and beauty. Determining the age and origin of pieces takes some knowledge and detective work, from analyzing physical details, markings, and styles. Technology like mobile apps show promise for aiding identification and valuation, but human expertise remains invaluable. If you inherit or discover an interesting ceramic piece, take time to research and verify its background before doing anything rash. With care and appreciation, antique pottery can survive for generations as a treasured heirloom. Though values fluctuate, the longevity and artistry of these objects is to be admired. For history buffs, aspiring archaeologists, and antique enthusiasts alike, old pottery offers a tangible connection to humanity’s past.