5 things to look for when buying vintage pottery and vases
A beginner's guide from someone who's learning as they go
I only started buying vintage pottery and vases in 2024. I had very little idea what I was doing. Something would catch my eye, and I'd feel that little spark of excitement, and pick it up without really knowing what I was looking for.
While gut feeling is still a big part of my approach, I've learned a lot along the way about what to look for that separates a truly special piece from one that just looks nice on a shelf.
So, what have I learnt along the way, and how can it help you?
1. Check the condition carefully
This sounds obvious, but it's definitely worth saying: always examine a piece thoroughly before buying it. Run your fingers around the rim, the base, and any raised decoration.
Look for chips, cracks, crazing (those fine surface cracks in the glaze that are tricky to spot at first glance), and repairs. A little wear is expected and can even add character — but chips and cracks can significantly affect the value and, more importantly, whether it's safe to use.
For display pieces, minor crazing is usually nothing to worry about. For anything you're planning to use for food or drink, stick to pieces in tip-top condition.
2. Look for maker's marks
Turn the piece over and look at the base. Most reputable potteries and ceramicists marked their work — you might find a stamp, a signature, initials, or a country of origin. These marks can tell you a lot about when and where a piece was made, and by whom. If you’re in a charity shop or viewing pieces before an auction, Google Lens is your friend here.
Take this stunning example I bought last year. It’s a slender Jaeger & Co vase from Bavaria, standing at 31cm tall. Jaeger & Co's most prolific period was the 1950s to 1970s, and the quality of their porcelain really speaks for itself. View the Jaeger vase and the markings on its base.
3. Explore the maker's story
Once you start researching makers, you'll quickly find that the story behind a piece adds so much to its appeal. Some potteries have centuries of history behind them, while others are the work of individual studio artists whose output was limited and personal.
A great example is this little French Virebent vase designed by Yves Mohy in the 1960s. The Virebent family have been creating ceramics and porcelain since the 18th century.
Virebent were known for seeking out exceptional talent, and their work with Yves Mohy is a perfect example of why. Pieces from this collaboration are quietly becoming some of the most sought-after in the vintage ceramics world, so if you've been thinking about one, now might be the time.
4. Look for signed and dated studio pieces
If a piece is signed and dated by the artist, that's usually an excellent sign. It means the maker was proud enough of the work to put their name to it, which gives you a precise point in time to anchor the piece to.
My favourite piece in the shop right now is this Pam Schomberg vase from 1988. Pam is a Fellow of the Society of Designer Craftsmen and works from Cuckoo Farm Studios in Colchester. Pam’s work has featured at prestigious venues including the Open Eye Gallery in Edinburgh, the Crypt at St Paul's, and Liberty in London.
The vase is signed and dated, sits on a beautiful tripod base, and is one of those items you just have to touch. The quality and craftsmanship are extraordinary, and it would look even more incredible with dried flowers bursting out of the top.
5. Think about what it will do in a room
A vase doesn't have to be rare or valuable to be wonderful. Sometimes it just needs to be exactly right for a particular spot in your home. Think about scale, colour, and texture, and don't be afraid to go for something a little unusual.
This charming wee Royal Winton Byzanta Ware vase is a perfect example. It's iridescent, beautifully decorated with a pheasant design, and has that warm, slightly otherworldly quality that only vintage pieces seem to have.
Royal Winton was founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1885 and made some truly lovely things, and this is one of them. It would make a gorgeous gift, or you could just treat yourself!
A final thought
The more I do this, the more I realise that buying vintage pottery and vases is as much about instinct and joy as it is about knowledge. Yes, maker's marks matter, condition is crucial, and provenance is important. However, you shouldn’t ignore that little flutter of excitement when you pick something up and think: I love this.
If you'd like to browse what I currently have in stock, head over to my pottery & vases collection. If you ever have any questions about a piece, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help.