How to Price Pottery

Picasso, Matisse, Crate & Barrel. Pottery is just about everywhere you look today. Anyone can create pottery whether by hand or using a pottery wheel. Prices range and mass-produced pieces are commonly the most affordable, while true creations of art remain untouchable for the large majority.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Know the Basics of Pottery

1. Study the three main types of pottery. Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain are the general categories to which most pieces belong.

2. Consider investing more money. Pottery is one of the most enduring materials known to mankind and is generally considered to be the most ancient and widespread art form.

3. Love the longevity of your pottery. It won't ever disintegrate in water or lose its shape, thanks to the high heats it sustains in a kiln, or pottery oven, upon creation.

4. Consider the way you'll use the piece. If it's simply decorative, any type will suffice. If it's needed for strength, opt for porcelain.

Investigate the Piece to Determine a Fair Price

1. Ask where the piece comes from. Famous potteries are more expensive due to unique creation processes, uncommon materials that may be region-specific or brand name alone.

2. Determine historical significance. Obviously, ancient pottery or collectible pieces carry a much higher price tag than everyday collections.

3. Look at the details. Multiple glaze processes, unusual colors or styles and size all play a role in price hikes. The more handiwork that is used to create unique details, the higher the price.

4. Find out who created the piece. Artists or sculptors may charge more due to their advanced skills, while novice hobbyists may request more nominal fees.

5. Note the type of clay or clays used to create the piece. Not all clays are created equal. Some are very rare, pure and expensive such as stoneware clay.

6. Inquire about the number of replicated pieces. A pottery wheel can be used to create both individual, one-of-a-kind pieces or a mass production of the same item.

7. Use antique or collector's books. These helpful guides review some of the more common pieces available in the marketplace and can help you to assess what constitutes a fair price.

8. Study similar pieces before buying. That way, you can even set up competing bids between dealers or at least be well informed before making an investment.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when buying pottery claimed to be prehistoric, antique or historically valued. Often it is very hard to determine authenticity by yourself. Always deal with a professional art dealer when seeking rare pieces.