Ceramics

Ceramics are among the most frequently collected antiques. Items made from earthernware (pottery) or porcelain (hard or soft paste) can serve functional roles such as tablewares, serving implements, vases and jugs or as ornaments, especially figures.

They usually have some form of decoration, either painted or transfer-printed, that is covered in transparent or coloured glaze. Ceramics are often catalogued by the name of their manufacturer or factory such as Meissen, Worcester, Doulton, Wedgwood and Sèvres.


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Enter Wain’s world: after you watch the movie, buy the art

06 January 2022

Artist Louis Wain (1860-1939) is currently being portrayed on the big screen by actor Benedict Cumberbatch with Claire Foy playing his wife in 'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain'.

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The quality Aynsley appeal

03 January 2022

The Aynsley factory’s reputation for good quality, unadventurous bone china tea and coffee wares made it the safe choice for many British households.

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Collecting couple who revived the ‘unfashionable’ Victorian market

03 January 2022

Rose and Gallichan sale reflects pioneering spirit of a duo fascinated by late 19th century design.

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Hans Coper pot comes in at a hefty $260,000

20 December 2021

When Phillips held an auction in London on November 10 in association with Maak Contemporary Ceramics of selections from the collection of Dr John P Driscoll, it produced a number of record-breaking prices for Hans Coper (1920-81) and ended with a new auction high for the studio potter of £520,000 (ATG No 2518).

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Sitwell seat sells very well

20 December 2021

Appeal of Weston Hall contents particularly enhanced by 20th century occupants

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Beswick brings a bit of colour to the ceramics market

13 December 2021

In the collectable ceramics market colour can count for a lot.

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Gouyn given his place in history

13 December 2021

Research shed light on the ‘Chelsea toys’ made by the mysterious ‘Girl on a Swing’ factory.

Bernard Leach ‘Tree of Life’ charger

Bernard Leach charger stars in our pick of five auction highlights

10 December 2021

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare ‘Tree of Life’ charger by Bernard Leach that made over seven-times estimate at Bonhams.

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Could it be a Cliff-hanger?

06 December 2021

A film of artist potter Clarice Cliff’s (1899-1972) early life is now at cinemas and available via streaming services.

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Facts and figures: a collection formed with the "eye of a man who loved and knew his subject"

29 November 2021

Amassed by the headmaster of one of Britain’s finest public schools, the Silk collection of Staffordshire portrait figures provides a fillip to an overlooked market

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Why this Italian majolica charger may represent a recurring dream

29 November 2021

In Fairs, Markets & Centres in ATG No 2516 we featured a story about 'The Venus of Meudon', a 1.9m tall sculpture by the Dadaist sculptor Jean Arp. Owned by dealers Karin and John Haines, it stands in a commanding spot at the Melford Antiques, Interiors and Lifestyle Centre in Suffolk.

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For he’s a holly good festive show fellow

22 November 2021

A dab hand at Christmas shows, Andrew Singleton of Suffolk House Antiques in Yoxford has held one annually for over 25 years.

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Wedgwood fairyland tale in New York

22 November 2021

Rounding off the Wedgwood section of Skinner’s December 3 auction of European Furniture and Decorative Arts is a small selection of Fairyland lustre ware.

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Spode collection offered in Australia

22 November 2021

On December 2 Australian auction firm Shapiro will be offering the collection of Spode blue and white earthenwares assembled over the past 25 years by Russell Brooks. The majority were purchased in first 15 years mainly in England but also in Australia.

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Hans Coper coup as studio pottery records tumble

15 November 2021

Records were set for studio pottery when the collection of the late New York art dealer Dr John P Driscoll was sold last week.

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Early English pottery tankards bring strong interest two regional sales

15 November 2021

Pictured here are two early English pottery tankards – both of them documentary pieces.

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Rattlesnake with satirical bite draws strong bidding at Woolley & Wallis

15 November 2021

Among the best-performing lots at the Woolley & Wallis (25/12% buyer’s premium) Ceramics & Glass sale was a rare Wedgwood black basalt seal.

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Title winners: named services attract extra interest for European ceramics at auction

15 November 2021

Dessert plate taken to St Helena exile by Napoleon demonstrates provenance value

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Meissen decorated in Kakiemon style offered in Germany

15 November 2021

Metz auction house will feature plenty of pieces of Meissen among the ceramics in its sale to be held in Heidelberg from December 9-11.

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Napoleonic porcelain now commands serious levels of auction power

15 November 2021

While the kilns at Sèvres languished during the Revolution, Napoleon recognised the value of a national porcelain factory and used it as an extension of his power.

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