Different types of Stoneware Vase Markings

Potteries, designers and designers often mark their work to allow the world know who made the piece, and stoneware is no exception. Marks might contain stylized writing, miniature logos, symbols, emblems, collection names and even numbers, which usually refer to some repeated pattern or mold employed from the pottery business. Maker’s marks — since these markings are often called — help in figuring the vase’s value, especially antique vases, because of the adjustments to the marks through the manufacturing history of the business or artist.

Artist’s Signature or Initials

Most artists sign their work, especially for individually crafted pieces. But even if the stoneware vase is part of a manufacturing line, then you still might discover the artist’s signature, personal logo or her bows, especially if the artist also owns the organization. Oftentimes, even lead designers sign their pieces or at least use a different type of producer’s mark to identify a particular collection or line of stoneware vases.

Maker’s Marks

Business logos or emblems often change across the lifespan of the business, which is helpful once you want to identify the era of a stoneware vase and you have access to your website or a book that details these marks. When antique appraisers or collectors attempt to establish the value of a vase, for instance, that’s the first mark that they look for, usually found on the vase’s underside.

Collection Names or Molds

When a vase a part of a bigger collection of home decor items or some set of dishware, for instance, the layout or collection name may be imprinted beneath the producer’s mark or the artist’s signature. The state of origin generally appears at the foundation of the marks. Another mark typically found on stoneware vases is the mold number for your vase. An artist or designer generates the first piece from which a mold is made for mass production purposes. The mold number can often be traced in novels that collectors or appraisers use to identify and cost collector vases.

Country of Origin

Alongside the producer’s mark on a stoneware vase, potteries often incorporate the area or state of origin. Under section 304 of the 1930 U.S. Tariff Act, later updated, all things of foreign manufacture imported in america require a state of origin mark on the products being imported. This helps American consumers know where the piece originated when creating a buy. Stoneware and other ceramics often included this mark to identify the area or state before 1930, but not always.

See related