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Belleek Pottery

The ethereal elegance of Belleek porcelain in its iconic pearly-white palette has been a hallmark of Irish porcelain production since the close of the 19th century. Still coveted today, Belleek pieces in perfect condition are increasingly difficult to find.

John Caldwell Bloomfield founded Belleek pottery. Named after the Northern Ireland town of its founding, Belleek began making small wares at the end of the 1850s. Early in the following decade, Belleek designers began to produce Parian porcelain, a bisque porcelain with a subtle white hue and delicate texture that was key to the refined aesthetics of Belleek’s designs. Within a few years, Belleek’s clientele worldwide skyrocketed due to their perfection of the art of porcelain. Their pieces were both delicate and dynamic, characteristics accentuated by the fine luster of the porcelain’s surface.

Though Belleek is still in production today, it is its antique and vintage pieces that are the most desired, particularly when they survive in exceptional condition.


Quick Facts

  • Bloomfield inherited the Castle Caldwell estate in 1849, which included in its holdings the hamlet of Belleek. His late discovery that the locale was rich in the minerals essential to porcelain creation spurred the facility’s location
  • The name "Belleek" is derived from the Gaelic language. It translates roughly into "Flagstone Ford"
  • England’s Queen Victoria was one of the most prominent fans of Belleek’s wares. Further advancing Belleek’s presence on the international market was their elaborate display at the 1987 Dublin Exposition

Recommended Items at Auction

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BELLEEK IRISH LYRE
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
BELLEEK IRISH LYRE
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD202 Bids
Belleek black mark floral encrusted vase on 3 branch feet, 10.5 cm high (Estate of Anthony & Ricky Street)
Feb 19, 10:00 AM AEDT
Belleek black mark floral encrusted vase on 3 branch feet, 10.5 cm high (Estate of Anthony & Ricky Street)
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD152 Bids
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Belleek Ireland Porcelain With Shamrock Design
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Belleek Ireland Porcelain With Shamrock Design
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$82 Bids
Antique Belleek Toasting Chalice/Goblet circa 1900 Willets, 11”X 6”
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Antique Belleek Toasting Chalice/Goblet circa 1900 Willets, 11”X 6”
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
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2pc Belleek Owl and Swan Figurines
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Belleek Owl and Swan Figurines
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$101 Bid
Morgan Belleek Victoria 26-Piece Partial Dessert Service
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
Morgan Belleek Victoria 26-Piece Partial Dessert Service
by Weschler's
Est: $30- $50
$151 Bid
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Belleek Irish Porcelain Shamrock Design Tea Set
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
Belleek Irish Porcelain Shamrock Design Tea Set
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
Porcelain Vase Painted by a China Decorator
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Porcelain Vase Painted by a China Decorator
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
A Belleek milk jug in the Neptune pattern with she…
Feb 23, 9:00 AM GMT
A Belleek milk jug in the Neptune pattern with she…
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £30- £50
£300 Bids
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Belleek Ireland Porcelain Shamrock Vase
Feb 25, 2:00 PM EST
Belleek Ireland Porcelain Shamrock Vase
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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2pc Belleek Porcelain Vase and Bowl
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Belleek Porcelain Vase and Bowl
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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2pc Vintage Belleek Vases, Shamrock Design
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Vintage Belleek Vases, Shamrock Design
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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2pc Belleek Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl Set
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Belleek Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl Set
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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2pc Belleek Creamer and Sugar Set
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Belleek Creamer and Sugar Set
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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5pc Belleek Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
5pc Belleek Porcelain Cup and Saucer
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
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A Varied Lot of Tableware
Feb 18, 10:00 AM CET
A Varied Lot of Tableware
by Veilinghuis de Jager
Est: €160- €300
€1000 Bids
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4pc Belleek Porcelain Assorted Miniatures
Feb 19, 2:00 PM EST
4pc Belleek Porcelain Assorted Miniatures
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
Grouping of Belleek Brown and Green Marks
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
Grouping of Belleek Brown and Green Marks
by The Auction Barn
Est: $50- $1,000
$500 Bids
Belleek Porcelain Basketweave Covered Basket w Box
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Belleek Porcelain Basketweave Covered Basket w Box
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$500 Bids
Four Pieces Belleek Porcelain China
Feb 19, 6:00 PM EST
Four Pieces Belleek Porcelain China
by Kodner Galleries
Est: $50- $150
$200 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Belleek Pottery


Lion and Unicorn

Lion and Unicorn

Weschler's

Weschler's

Monarch Auction and Estate Services

Monarch Auction and Estate Services

Woodlands Auctions

Woodlands Auctions