15 Antique Pottery Pieces That Are Becoming More Valuable
Antique pottery has a way of standing out with its charm and history. These pieces were made with care and often tell stories from long ago. Today, many of them are getting more attention from collectors and casual buyers alike. Some were once overlooked but are now gaining value steadily. Whether made by hand or shaped in early kilns, each item has something special. From delicate vases to hand-painted plates, these items can be both beautiful and valuable. If you enjoy antiques, it may be the right time to look at pottery in a new light.
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Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Vase
This delicate vase dates from the late 1800s and shows the classic white figures on pale blue clay that are instantly recognizable. It has a matte finish and fine relief work of mythological scenes that reveal the skill of the potter. The piece is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks.
Collectors prize this vase for its historical significance and elegant form. Over recent years it has steadily drawn interest from buyers who appreciate its neoclassical imagery and refined appearance Estimated value today sits around $1500 to $2500 depending on provenance and condition.
Chinese Ming Dynasty Red Pottery Jar
This storage jar has a deep red glaze that has mellowed to warm tones over centuries. Dating to mid 1500s it bears an imperial reign mark on the base along with kiln imperfections that indicate handcrafted production. Its rounded body and tight lid give it an appealing presence.
Demand from collectors has grown recently due to its age and glaze tone which ties it to early Ming kiln methods. Provided there are no major cracks or significant restoration this piece brings in about $20000 to $30000 at auction.
Delft Polychrome Charger
Hand painted in the Netherlands around 1750 this wide charger shows vibrant floral arrangements and birds. The enamel glazes remain strong though some wear appears around the rim lending a sense of age. Delft pottery collectors appreciate the balance of color and pattern here.
Its display appeal has helped push auction results upward recently. Experts note that bright polychrome Delft pieces in good shape can fetch around $1200 to $1800 in today’s market.
Roseville Pottery Sunflower Vase
This American-made vase from the early 1900s displays large sunflowers in relief on a soft green and brown background. The handles curve upward in a way that blends into the design, creating a smooth and balanced look. It is made from clay with a matte glaze and retains clear markings on the base.
Collectors are showing more interest in Roseville lines that feature detailed floral work and strong shapes. A piece in good condition with no chips or repairs can bring in $700 to $1200 depending on size and pattern clarity.
Rookwood Arts and Crafts Vase
Made in Cincinnati around 1910, this vase features a soft matte glaze in shades of blue with a subtle floral design. The bottom holds the Rookwood mark along with the date code and artist’s initials. Its style reflects the quiet and earthy look favored during the Arts and Crafts period.
Rookwood pieces with artist signatures and clean glaze lines are increasing in popularity with collectors of American art pottery. A vase like this now sells for about $1500 to $3000 based on size and condition.
Chinese Tang Dynasty Horse
This pottery figure of a horse is from the Tang Dynasty and often appears with traces of original mineral-based paint. The horse stands in a proud pose with strong legs and a rounded body, showing typical form from the period. Its handmade quality is clear in the minor surface differences.
As interest in ancient Chinese pottery remains steady, pieces with solid provenance are being picked up by museums and private collectors. An intact Tang horse with minimal damage can reach $10000 to $20000 at auction.
Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase
This vase from early 1900s England is known for its rich red and purple pomegranate design set against deep blue. The raised decoration under the glaze adds texture and color depth. It has a signed base with clear Moorcroft markings.
Moorcroft pieces with bold fruit themes are becoming more sought after by pottery enthusiasts and interior decorators alike. A well-preserved example can now sell for $2000 to $4000.
Fulper Pottery Flambe Vase
This American vase features a high-gloss glaze in swirling red, green, and brown tones. It has a slightly rounded shoulder and tapers smoothly to a narrow base. The piece carries the incised Fulper stamp along the bottom.
Known for unusual glaze techniques, Fulper pieces like this are gaining more attention from collectors looking for color variation and texture. Market value has risen to $1200 to $1800 depending on the quality of the glaze finish.
Japanese Satsuma Ware Bowl
This late 1800s Satsuma bowl shows fine hand-painted scenes of court life in muted colors and gold detail. The interior has a central medallion while the outside is covered with repeating floral motifs. A seal mark appears underneath.
Satsuma ware continues to climb in value due to its careful detail and strong link to Japanese export history. A good example in fine condition can reach $1500 to $2500 depending on size and design.
Amphora Austria Vase
This European vase from around 1900 features Art Nouveau lines and soft pastels with raised decoration. The body curves in an elegant form and carries the typical Amphora stamp on the base. It may depict mythological or nature themes.
Collectors prize Amphora for its flowing forms and unusual subjects which make strong display pieces. A vase with fine detail and no damage can be valued at $1800 to $3500.
Greco-Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
This small lamp dates back to ancient times and shows the simple clay form used for everyday lighting. It features a central filling hole and a spout where the wick would have burned. Traces of blackening remain near the spout.
Collectors of ancient objects continue to value intact oil lamps with clear form and no heavy restoration. A piece from this era in stable condition often sells for $800 to $1500.
Italian Majolica Charger
This charger shows a lively painted scene in blues, greens, and yellows over a white glazed base. Produced in Italy during the 1600s, it features mythological or biblical subjects. The back may show stilt marks or a rougher finish.
Majolica chargers in good shape continue to gain attention from collectors of European ceramics. Depending on the scene and detail, a piece like this can range from $2500 to $6000.
Native American Pueblo Pottery Jar
Hand-built using traditional coiling techniques, this jar features black-on-black decoration from the San Ildefonso Pueblo. Its matte and polished surfaces create a striking visual effect. The artist’s signature may appear on the bottom.
Demand for traditional Native pottery remains steady, especially for pieces linked to known artists. A signed piece in excellent shape can sell for $2000 to $5000 or more.
Persian Qajar Pottery Tile
This rectangular tile features hand-painted figures in colorful robes framed by floral borders. It dates back to the 19th century and was likely part of a larger wall display in a palace or religious setting. The glaze has aged with soft crackling, adding to its charm.
Collectors value Qajar tiles for their storytelling and fine brushwork. When free from large chips or repairs, a single tile of this quality can bring in between $1200 and $2000.
Korean Goryeo Celadon Bowl
This shallow bowl has a pale green glaze with incised floral patterns, a known feature of Goryeo celadon ware. The glaze pools lightly in the carved lines, adding soft color contrast. It has a clean foot ring and a slightly flared rim.
Goryeo celadon has long been appreciated for its calm glaze tones and elegant forms. A fine example with minimal wear or repair can bring in $8000 to $12000.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.