Cause A Frockus

Collecting antique ceramics

Aug 13, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

We’ve been fortunate enough to write about some amazing ceramic designers over the months and would like to present you with a few key, useful tips as you start collecting antique ceramics. The best thing to do as you embark on new adventures is to educate yourself thoroughly. By knowing more about a certain designer, firm, or period you will be able to navigate flea markets and shops with confidence. Below we’ll outline the major things to look for as you start your collecting process. Please tell us your best tips and tricks in the comments below!

Collecting antique ceramics | Find out its age

Like so many other vintage/antique items, ceramics are no stranger to fakes. The reproduction industry is alive and well, ready to trick the unsuspecting consumer. But how do you determine the relative age of a piece? Well, don your detective’s cap and dig in! Firstly, try to narrow down the decade via the style or motifs seen in the piece. Look to our Art Nouveau, Art Deco, or Arts and Crafts posts as a general guide. Themes seen in other mediums often carry over to the ceramics realm. Beyond the general look of the item, crazing is another common indication of old age. But again, this isn’t a tell-tale sign as certain items may naturally have a predisposition to crazing.

After you’ve looked at the surface of the piece, look at the bottom. Flip your find over to see if there is any staining or signs of wear that are apparent. You may also see markings, which are really helpful as you can research their meaning. Just remember that you need to find an accurate reference guide because the faux industry is getting more clever in mimicking stamps. You also want to remember that firms and designers often changed their style of markings/stamps as the years went by. Bottom line: use your senses and put all the pieces of the puzzle together. If one element seems off, take caution.

Collecting antique ceramics | Consider the piece’s condition

When it comes to evaluating the worth of ceramic collectibles, the more obscure or odd, means the more valuable (which tends to align with a lot of the other collecting genres out there). But the present state of the piece is also a determining factor. Most ceramics that were produced in large numbers are generally easy to find in good shape. While it’s great to know that there is an ample supply of well-cared-for items, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods completely when you see a potential purchase. It’s now time to put your senses to the test!

If you smell bleach, someone may be trying to camouflage cracks on the surface. This is a commonly touted “fix” for cracks, but bleach will only conceal it temporarily and can actually cause further harm to the item. After you’ve had a good sniff inspection, make sure to pick up and feel the surfaces of the piece. Be present as you work your way around the item – any unusual bulges may indicate a paint touch-up or another area of damage. Lastly, tap it. Yep, a simple tap will tell you a lot. If it doesn’t yield a nice ting of sound, you’ve got a piece with a crack in it.

Collecting antique ceramics | Looking into those labels

As we mentioned above, labels and stamps are a great introduction to a piece. Their relatively concise combinations of numbers, letters, and icons can tell you a plethora of information. From here you can find out about the maker, the time period, and the origin of its creation.

If you don’t recognize the markings right away and, if the item is above your budget, ask the dealer if you may take a picture of the marking. Research it further at home (either on Cause A Frockus or at your local library) and with information in hand, come back with a better idea of what you’d be willing to pay/offer the vendor.

We cannot stress enough that buying from a trustworthy dealer/shop owner is crucial to your collecting success. A dedicated shop owner can talk to you in detail about each piece available and can even point you in the direction of useful reference books. Look to guides both digital and tangible as you investigate the designers and/or item. Multiple sources will help you form a more complete picture of the piece’s history and worth.

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Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: Worthpoint, Treasured Things Antiques, Kovel’s,  and “Antiques Roadshow 20th Century Collectibles.”

For our readers: do you collect ceramics? If so, what techniques have you developed as you look for new items to add to your collection?

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