Antique Ceramics
British and Continental ceramics have been collected and cherished for centuries. Our dealers offer a wide selection of antique pottery and porcelain, from Staffordshire figures and blue-and-white transferware to Royal Worcester, Minton, Derby and Meissen pieces.
You'll find everything from individual ornamental pieces and pairs of vases to complete dinner services and decorative chargers, each one chosen for quality, condition and visual appeal.
Featured
Featured
Rustic Olive Jar
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Antique Shaped Imari Vase with Lid
Unusual imari Style Fan Shaped Plate
Pair of Antique Staffordshire Flat Back Figures
Fine Pair of Antique Staffordshire Greyhounds
Antique Victorian Quality Doulton Lambeth Jug
Pair of Antique Japanese Quality Imari Plates
Antique Quality Japanese Imari Plate
Antique Quality Japanese Imari Bowl
Antique Japanese Imari Bowl
Antique Japanese Imari Scalloped Dish
Antique Royal Doulton Slaterware Jardinière
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Figure
Quality Pair of Antique Japanese Hand Painted Imari Plates
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Flatback Figure
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Toby Pepperpot Figure
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Flatback Figure
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Flatback Figure
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Pair of Antique Edwardian Quality Satsuma Vases
Pair of Antique Victorian Quality Staffordshire Poodles
Large Antique Edwardian Quality Japanese Imari Bowl
Antique Victorian Japanese Quality Imari Plate
Antique Edwardian Quality Japanese Imari Bowl
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Small Pair of Antique Edwardian Quality Japanese Imari Vases
Pair of Antique Staffordshire Spaniel Dogs
Antique Staffordshire Flatback of a Country Couple
Pair of Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Plates
Pair of Quality Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases
Antique Pair of Staffordshire Black & White Spaniel Dogs
Antique Chinese Canton Rose Medallion Plate
Antique Pair of Japanese Imari Plates
Unusual Pair of Antique Victorian Bretby Art Pottery Bamboo and Stork Vases
C18th Italian Lidded Vase
Bernard Bloch Terracotta Fisher Girl
Pair 19th Century Masons iron stone tureens
A Fabulous Pair of 19th Century French Blue Ceramic Jardinièr's
A Guide to Antique Ceramics
The world of antique ceramics is richly varied. At one end of the scale, a simple piece of 19th-century Staffordshire pottery might cost less than a modern mug; at the other, a rare piece of 18th-century Worcester or Meissen porcelain can command thousands. Both have their place, and both offer the satisfaction of owning something handmade and historic.
The first thing to understand is the distinction between pottery (earthenware and stoneware, which are opaque) and porcelain (which is translucent when held to the light). Porcelain was first made in China and later produced in Europe from the early 18th century. British factories including Worcester, Derby, Bow, Chelsea and Lowestoft all developed their own formulas and styles.
Marks, Makers and Identification
Most quality ceramics carry a factory mark on the base. These marks changed over time, making them useful for dating. However, marks were widely copied, so a mark alone doesn't guarantee authenticity. The quality of the painting, the potting weight and the glaze character all contribute to a proper assessment. If in doubt, ask the dealer; good dealers welcome questions and will share their knowledge.
Condition and Display
Hairline cracks, chips and restoration all affect the value of ceramics. Hold pieces up to a strong light to check for cracks, and run your fingers around rims to feel for chips that might not be immediately visible. Minor damage is acceptable on everyday pieces but significantly reduces the value of rare or early items.
Display ceramics away from edges where they might be knocked, and consider using museum wax to secure valuable pieces on shelves, particularly in households with children or pets.