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Vases

Ceramic vases chart the course of human history as well as the evolution of form and function. Since the dawn of humankind, the need to possess vessels to carry essential materials has been present. The antique vase filled that need. Along with its evolution in form, it also evolved aesthetically, becoming one of the most diverse forms of artistic production accessible today.

The history of vases goes back to the beginnings of human culture, when we needed a means to carry and store liquid. Over time, aesthetic elements were applied to these ceramic containers, rapidly developing into a field of artistic decoration and design all its own. Ancient Chinese cultures developed elaborate techniques in glazing and firing, while ancient Greeks conjured extensive decorative patterns and mythological narratives on their black- and red-figure pots.

Alongside these decorative developments, vases took on new shapes and sizes to accommodate new uses. From the brilliant floral patters of Capodimonte vases to the more exotic elephant vase, there is seemingly a vase to suit every collector.


Quick Facts

  • The oldest documented pottery was discovered in 2009 in southern China. Surviving in shards, these fragments date to 16,000 B.C.
  • The current record price for an antique vase is held by a Qing Dynasty masterpiece. Known as the "Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase," the vessel sold at auction in 2010 for $83,000,000
  • It was not until 3000 B.C. that the potter’s wheel, developed in ancient Mesopotamia, revolutionized the ability of artisans to create rounded vases

Recommended Items at Auction

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PAIR OF STONES, BRISBANE AUSTRALIAN POTTERY ART DECO WALL VASES
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
PAIR OF STONES, BRISBANE AUSTRALIAN POTTERY ART DECO WALL VASES
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD10012 Bids
Ephraim Faience Arts & Crafts style pottery vase by Kevin Hicks 6"H x 4"Diam.
Feb 19, 5:00 PM EST
Ephraim Faience Arts & Crafts style pottery vase by Kevin Hicks 6"H x 4"Diam.
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$1208 Bids
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Signed Thomas Pottery Vase With Village Engraving
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Signed Thomas Pottery Vase With Village Engraving
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$214 Bids
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Hand Painted Deer Silhouette Pottery Vase
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Hand Painted Deer Silhouette Pottery Vase
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$234 Bids
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Silesia Double Handled Floral Porcelain Vase
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Silesia Double Handled Floral Porcelain Vase
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$134 Bids
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Hand Painted Pottery Vase Measures 19.25” tall.
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Hand Painted Pottery Vase Measures 19.25” tall.
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$84 Bids
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MCM Swung/Stretch Vases
Feb 24, 6:00 PM EST
MCM Swung/Stretch Vases
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$314 Bids
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Ceramic Dragon Vase Measures 15” tall.
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Ceramic Dragon Vase Measures 15” tall.
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$84 Bids
Pr Vic Moore Bros cactus vases 11 cm high
Feb 19, 10:00 AM AEDT
Pr Vic Moore Bros cactus vases 11 cm high
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD603 Bids
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SELECTION OF POTTERY INC. KALMAR VASE, ITALIAN VASE, AND DOG FIGURES
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
SELECTION OF POTTERY INC. KALMAR VASE, ITALIAN VASE, AND DOG FIGURES
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD253 Bids
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Vintage Bombay Blue and White Vase.
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Vintage Bombay Blue and White Vase.
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$73 Bids
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Bombay Blue and White Vase With Lid and Wooden Stand.
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Bombay Blue and White Vase With Lid and Wooden Stand.
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$73 Bids
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Bombay Blue and White Porcelain Vase
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Bombay Blue and White Porcelain Vase
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$73 Bids
Fine Arts and Crafts Vase
Feb 19, 1:00 PM EST
Fine Arts and Crafts Vase
by Caza Sikes
Est: $100- $300
$1103 Bids
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Bombay Blue and White Vase
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Bombay Blue and White Vase
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$113 Bids
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A Collection of 6 Blue and White Vases
Feb 19, 10:00 AM CET
A Collection of 6 Blue and White Vases
by Veilinghuis de Jager
Est: €160- €300
€1002 Bids
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Painted Geometric Pottery Vase
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Painted Geometric Pottery Vase
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$82 Bids
A Mid Century West German Ceramic Vase
Mar 02, 11:00 AM AEDT
A Mid Century West German Ceramic Vase
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD40- AUD80
AUD252 Bids
A white ceramic vase designed by Jonathan Adler (H:23cm)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
A white ceramic vase designed by Jonathan Adler (H:23cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD252 Bids
(4) Porcelain Head Vases
Mar 01, 9:00 AM EST
(4) Porcelain Head Vases
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $80- $200
$402 Bids
A ceramic speckle pattern vase (H:21cm)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
A ceramic speckle pattern vase (H:21cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD302 Bids
Pierrefonds Crystalline Glazed Ceramic Vase
Feb 25, 11:00 AM EST
Pierrefonds Crystalline Glazed Ceramic Vase
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $100- $1,000
$1002 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Vases


Berner's Auction Gallery

Berner's Auction Gallery

Veilinghuis de Jager

Veilinghuis de Jager

Benedetto Trionfante Auction House s.r.l

Benedetto Trionfante Auction House s.r.l

Artcurial

Artcurial