From the uber recognisable Ming vases of China to the delicate blue-and-white Delftware of the Netherlands, pottery reflects different cultural heritages and changing aesthetics throughout history.

Each piece is indicative about the period in which it was made, the hands that crafted it, and the function it served in everyday life, or in ceremonial contexts.

Antique pottery is ever popular at auctions, and Easy Live Auction provides access to an extraordinary selection of rare and valuable pieces, allowing experienced collectors and newcomers alike to explore this intriguing world.

A Brief History of Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest human crafts, dating back over 20,000 years. The earliest forms of pottery were likely created for practical uses such as storing food and water. Ancient civilisations, from the Chinese to the Egyptians, were revered for their advancements in pottery, and each culture developed its own distinct styles and techniques.

• Prehistoric Pottery: Some of the earlier examples of pottery come from Japan’s Jomon culture, dating as far back as 14,000 BCE, and feature simple hand-shaped forms. Ancient Near Eastern cultures also produced pottery, such as the Mesopotamian beakers, dating from around 7000 BCE.
• The Evolution of Pottery: Over time, pottery evolved from functional objects into highly artistic decorative pieces. Civilisations like the Greeks and Romans developed techniques such as wheel-throwing and kiln-firing, which gave rise to more refined, durable pottery. As trade routes expanded during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, pottery styles spread and evolved, leading to the vast range of pottery traditions we see today.
• The Modern Era: By the 18^th and 19^th centuries, industrial advancements allowed for the mass production of ceramics. Pioneering companies like Wedgwood introduced innovative materials and designs that have become collectable today. In the 20^th century, pottery also saw a resurgence in artistic circles, with many modern potters drawing inspiration from ancient techniques and styles.

A Wedgwood Crystal Ming vase, with original box. This lot will be featured in Claydon Auctioneers’ 12^th January sale, commencing 9am GMT.

View Catalogue here.

Ming Dynasty Vases

Perhaps no pottery is as universally recognisable as the Ming Dynasty vases of China. These masterpieces, often characterised by their intricate blue-and-white designs, were produced during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), a period of great cultural and artistic achievement. Ming porcelain, particularly from the reigns of emperors such as Yongle and Xuande, is highly prized for its smooth glazes and its detailed depictions of flora, fauna, and landscapes.

• What to Look For: Authentic Ming vases are made from fine porcelain and often feature cobalt blue designs on a white background. They may depict dragons, phoenixes, or floral patterns, all painted with exceptional precision.
• Historical Value: Ming vases were symbols of wealth and power, often gifted to foreign dignitaries or displayed in the homes of the elite.

Browse Ming vases on Easy Live Auction

A group of six small Chinese blue and white vases, late Ming and later. This lot is set to feature in Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s 14^th-15^th January sale, commencing 10am GMT.

Browse Catalogue here.

Delftware

In Europe, Delftware emerged as a significant form of pottery in the 17^th century. Produced in the Dutch city of Delft, these pieces initially took inspiration from the Chinese blue-and-white porcelain imported to Europe via the Dutch East India Company. Delft potters sought to replicate the Chinese style, creating tin-glazed pottery that featured similar designs, including floral patterns, pastoral scenes, and maritime themes.

• What to Look For: Delftware is typically recognised by its blue-and-white colour palette, but some pieces may include other colours like yellow and green. Look for the distinctive tin glaze and hand-painted motifs that often depict everyday Dutch life.
• Historical Value: Delftware holds a special place in the history of European ceramics, and blends both Dutch aesthetics with the influence of Chinese porcelain. Pieces from the Golden Age of Delft are particularly sought after.

Browse Delftware at Easy Live Auction

A Delft lobed circular dish, painted in polychrome, with a peacock in a garden setting, the rim with panels of stylised flowers and foliage — to be included in Bamfords Auctioneers & Valuers’ Four Day Fine Art and Antique Sale, from 21^st to 24^th January from 10am GMT.

View Catalogue here.

Wedgwood

One of the more well-known names in British pottery is Wedgwood. Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, this company were revolutionary with its pioneering techniques and classic designs. Wedgwood is particularly known for its fine earthenware and its distinctive Jasperware, featuring neoclassical designs in white on a coloured background, typically in shades of blue, green, or black.

• What to Look For: Look for Wedgwood’s hallmark design, especially its Jasperware, which features finely detailed, raised white motifs on a matte background. Other significant pieces include Queen’s Ware and Black Basalt, both of which were highly innovative in their time.
• Historical Value: Josiah Wedgwood was a key figure in the Industrial Revolution and developed new techniques for mass-producing high-quality pottery. This made Wedgwood a household name across Europe. It remains one of the most collectable brands today.

Browse Wedgwood at Easy Live Auction

Wedgwood Jasperware ginger jar and cover in Prunus / Primrose colour. This lot is featured in Leighton Hall Auctions’ 18^th January auction, from 9:30am GMT.

View Catalogue here.

Majolica

Originating in Italy during the Renaissance, Majolica refers to tin-glazed pottery that is often brightly coloured and decorated with elaborate scenes. This type of pottery gained widespread popularity across Europe and held great decorative appeal. It often depicted mythological scenes, biblical stories, or floral and animal patterns.

• What to Look For: Authentic Majolica pieces are known for their vivid colours, including blues, greens, yellows, and oranges, applied on a white tin glaze. The subjects painted on Majolica can range from intricate battle scenes to pastoral landscapes.
• Historical Value: Majolica pottery became a favourite of the Italian elite, and many pieces were created as lavish decorative objects for aristocratic homes. These peoples are highly valuable today.

Browse Majolica on Easy Live Auction

Two early 20th century Denby pottery Majolica piggy banks by Horace Elliott, to be featured in Eastbourne Auctions’ 3-day live online sale from 8^th-10^th January.

Browse catalogue here.

Satsuma Pottery

Originating from the Satsuma Province of Japan in the late 16^th century, Satsuma pottery is another prominent form of antique pottery. Satsuma pieces are typically cream-coloured with a crackled glaze and intricate hand-painted designs in soft tones of gold, red, and blue. These ceramics became particularly popular in the West during the 19^th century when Japan opened its ports to international trade.

• What to Look For: Satsuma pottery is often adorned with detailed scenes of Japanese life, nature, or historical events. The finely painted figures and landscapes, along with their signature crackle effect of the glaze, are hallmarks of authenticity.
• Historical Value: Satsuma pottery was not only a functional item but also a symbol of Japan’s artistic traditions, often created for export to Europe and America, where it became highly fashionable.

Browse Satsuma pieces on Easy Live Auction

Two pairs of Japanese Satsuma vases, Meiji period, enamelled with rakan and bijin — featured in Mellors & Kirk’s Antique & Collectors Sale, 14^th-16^th January.

View Catalogue here.

Tips for Collecting Antique Pottery

1. Research the Maker’s Marks: Antique pottery often bears marks that can help identify its maker, period, and origin. These marks are critical in determining the authenticity and value of a piece. Learning to recognise these can give you an edge when it comes to bidding at auction.
   
   

   Image source: Cardiff University

2. Inspect Condition: Antique pottery is fragile, and even minor damage such as chips or cracks can significantly affect its value. However, some semblance of wear-and-tear is to be expected with older pieces. We recommend checking condition reports before purchasing.
   
   When in doubt, Easy Live Auction’s auctioneers are happy to provide a condition report. Contact them directly with any questions you may have pertaining to the condition or authenticity of an antique item.
3. Provenance Matters: As with any antique, the history of a piece is important. If the pottery comes from a renowned collection or has historical significance, its value can increase dramatically.

Antique Pottery at Easy Live Auction

Easy Live Auction provides a trusted platform to discover and bid on antique pottery from over 400 auction houses. With detailed descriptions, the ability to request condition reports, and live bidding features, collectors can feel confident that they are purchasing authentic, valuable pieces.

No matter if you’re looking for a classic Ming Vase, Wedgwood Jasperware, or a charming Delftware piece, Easy Live Auction connects bidders worldwide with prominent auction houses.