How do I identify my pottery?

The best way to determine whether a piece of pottery is American is to look at the bottom of the piece. For American pottery, the bottom tells more than just the glaze type used on the piece. It also tells the color of the clay and how it was fired.

How do I identify porcelain?

The easiest way to identify porcelain figurines as opposed to earthenware or stoneware figurines is to examine the piece. Porcelain figurines have a delicate, fragile quality to them and are somewhat translucent, whereas, stoneware or earthenware figurines are not.

How can you tell if ceramic is vintage?

You can recognize the original antique by using a clean cloth or towel to wipe the bottom of the piece thoroughly. If it appears dust and dirt, then it’s an antique. If otherwise then it’s a disguised faux. Examining the painting on the old pot can provide information in identifying the piece.

What does the maker’s mark on a porcelain item mean?

Serving as both evidence of its origin, age, and often times, quality, the makers mark on a porcelain item is the first place many collectors look before making a purchase. For any piece of fine china, the porcelain mark is a symbol of pride in the manufacturer’s workmanship.

Where can I find marks on ceramics?

Welcome to The Marks Project, www.themarksproject.org, A Dictionary of American Ceramics, 1946-present. Our website includes marks (stamps, chops and/or signatures, etc.) usually found on the bottom of ceramic objects created by potters, ceramic artists and sculptors. We welcome your feedback on the website, its search functions, and appearance.

What kind of marker does mark use on pottery?

Mark used c. 1910 to 1915 by Fulper Pottery Co. This was the first mark—FULPER in a rectangle—used by this company using the Hobo typeface. It is commonly referenced by collectors and dealers as the Fulper “ink mark.” Fake ink marks have been found drawn with a black marker on pieces not made by this company.

What is the kunstkeramik Mark?

Reference: Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks . This is referenced as the Kunstkeramik Paul Dachsel mark. Pottery designer Paul Dachsel used this mark when he started his own business after leaving the original Amphora factory. This mark was used on pottery made by his firm from approximately 1906 through 1911.