Antique Vases

Crafted from materials such as porcelain, glass, metal, and ceramics, vases have served both practical and ornamental purposes across civilisations and centuries. From holding floral arrangements to standing as magnificent centrepieces, antique vases seamlessly integrate with varied décor styles and settings.

Vases have always been sought after due to their highly versatile application, which allows them to merge with any type of décor in many different locations. A vase is also typically decorated around the entire exterior, meaning it can be viewed from many different directions or turned at intervals to show different panels.

At Jacksons Antique, our Antique Vases collection ranges from European Meissen porcelain to Japanese bronze and mixed metalwork. We buy what catches our eye and hope that you enjoy our collection.

A Guide to History, Identification and Care OF ANTIQUE VASES

The history of decorative vases dates back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples originating from ancient civilisations. Greek and Roman vases displayed intricate details of mythological scenes and everyday life, while Egyptian vessels featured symbolic elements that reflected their cultural beliefs.

Chinese Mastery

The Song dynasty (960-1279) marked the beginning of China’s impressive vase-making tradition, featuring delicate stoneware pieces adorned with hand-painted decorations. The Ming dynasty (1368-1644) took Chinese vase craftsmanship to extraordinary heights, producing items that can fetch seven-figure sums at modern auctions. The blue and white porcelain vases created for export to Europe are among the most recognisable and sought-after Chinese antiques, with many Europeans redesigning entire rooms to showcase their collections.

From the mid-19th century onward, Chinese vases often feature the ‘Rose Medallion’ pattern, characterised by vibrant green enamel scrolls and gilding. These pieces can achieve auction prices of up to £20,000, highlighting their lasting appeal and investment potential.

Japanese Excellence

Due to their exceptional craftsmanship, Japanese porcelain vases generally command higher prices than their Chinese counterparts. Among them, antique Imari vases are particularly sought after, characterised by their blue underglaze, red iron, and gold embellishments.

Early Imari vases can be valued between £800 and £10,000, while 19th-century pieces are typically worth between £60 and £500. One way to distinguish early Imari vases from later ones is by observing the millions of tiny bubbles that soften the edges of these antique treasures.

Kakiemon porcelain represents some of the most prized Japanese vases, while Satsuma vases, known for their unique crackled earthenware adorned with gilt and enamel decorations, remain highly collectable.

European Development

European potters started producing their own distinctive vases in the 17th century, initially drawing inspiration from Chinese designs. The well-known German manufacturer Meissen created the ‘Indian Flowers’ pattern, which features brighter colours and European figures dressed in Chinese clothing.

British antique vases from the mid-18th century were predominantly crafted from porcelain. Factories such as Derby, Bow, Chelsea, and Worcester emerged following the popularity of Meissen’s designs.

In 1790, Josiah Wedgwood revolutionised the English vase market with his jasperware pieces. These vases remain highly collectable, with limited edition black jasperware vases—originally priced at £50—now potentially worth over £40,000.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Porcelain and Ceramics

Porcelain is considered the highest achievement in ceramics due to its translucency, strength, and elegant appearance. Chinese porcelain, which originated during the Tang Dynasty and was refined in the following centuries, is characterised by its distinctive white body made from kaolin clay that is fired at very high temperatures. European porcelain was developed much later, with Meissen establishing the first successful European porcelain factory in 1710.

Earthenware and stoneware vases, while less refined than porcelain, possess a distinctive aesthetic appeal. These materials often feature thicker bodies and rustic finishes, making them popular for their organic, tactile qualities.

Glass

British and Bohemian glass vases from the 18th century eventually reached quality levels comparable to those of Venetian pieces. British vases were commonly adorned with designs of roses and oak leaves, while Bohemian vases featured flowers, mythical figures, and coats of arms, showcasing skilled engraving techniques. Opaque white glass produced in Bristol and Staffordshire during the 1760s successfully competed with imported Chinese porcelain vases.

Metals and Mixed Materials

Bronze, silver, and mixed metal vases are another important category of antique vases. Japanese bronze vases featuring mixed metalwork inlay showcase exceptional technical skill, while European examples often include ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts paired with porcelain or glass bodies.

Identifying Authentic Antique Vases

Materials and Construction

When evaluating an antique vase, the material composition can provide important clues about its authenticity. Genuine antique vases often exhibit minor imperfections and asymmetries that reflect their handmade origins. Look for irregularities in shape, colour, or pattern—these differences actually enhance the vase’s unique character and can increase its value.

Bubbles trapped within glass or porcelain during manufacturing may indicate that a piece is antique, as modern production techniques have largely eliminated such flaws. Hand-blown vases typically feature smooth, polished edges that are more refined than the rest of the item.

The weight and feel of a vase can also reveal much about its authenticity. Genuine antique porcelain often feels slightly different to modern reproductions due to subtle differences in clay composition and firing techniques developed over centuries.

Understanding Maker’s Marks

The maker’s mark is one of the most important signs of a vase’s authenticity. To check for this mark, flip the vase over and examine its base for any stamps, signatures, or marks. Depending on the material, these identifying features might be painted, etched, or stamped onto the edges or base.

Josiah Wedgwood pioneered the practice of marking ceramic products with the maker’s name, which proved more difficult to copy than the simplistic symbols used by earlier artisans. As Wedgwood’s company evolved, its mark changed from a simple “Wedgwood” to “Wedgwood & Bentley” or “W. & B.” during its partnership period, before returning to variations of “Wedgwood” after Bentley’s death.

Paper stickers or labels may indicate collections the vase once belonged to, helping trace its provenance. Exercise caution not to remove any labels or damage the marked section, as this could significantly reduce the vase’s value.

Some artists place their maker’s mark in hard-to-find locations, such as inside the vase. If there are no visible markings, it’s advisable to consult an expert or refer to the catalogue raisonné for the suspected artist or manufacturer.

Signs of Age and Wear

Natural age-related wear, such as minor scratches, discolouration, or faded paint, can indicate authenticity. However, these characteristics can also be artificially created in modern reproductions. Understanding the difference between genuine age-related wear and artificial distressing requires experience and careful examination.

“Overmarks” – new stamps placed atop the original maker’s mark, typically by retailers or importers – were common between approximately 1880 and 1930. Finding such a mark can help establish a vase’s age.

Care and Maintenance

Handling and Display

Proper handling is crucial for maintaining the condition and longevity of an antique vase. Always handle vases with clean hands and support them from the bottom, rather than lifting them by their handles or rims, which may be weak. For particularly valuable pieces, consider wearing cotton gloves to prevent the oils from your skin from transferring to the surface.

When displaying vases, choose locations that avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade colours and damage certain materials over time. It’s essential to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, as fluctuations can stress materials and lead to cracks or glaze crazing. Secure display methods, including museum putty or specially designed display stands, help protect against accidental knocks or vibrations.

Cleaning and Preservation

To maintain the appearance of an antique vase, regularly dust it using a soft, clean brush or a microfiber cloth to avoid damage. For deeper cleaning, use methods suited to the specific material of the vase:

Porcelain and Ceramic Vases: Clean with lukewarm water and a mild soap if necessary. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Rinse thoroughly and completely dry with a soft cloth.

Glass Vases: Gently clean with a solution of mild detergent and distilled water. For intricate cut glass, use a soft brush to reach detailed areas.

Metal Vases: Use metal polishes specifically formulated for the type of metal. Ensure to remove all polish residue and apply a protective coating if recommended.

Never use ultrasonic cleaners, dishwashers, or harsh chemical solutions on antique vases, as these can cause irreparable damage. If you’re unsure about cleaning methods for a particularly valuable piece, it’s best to consult a professional conservator.

Collecting Antique Vases

Building a Collection

When starting a collection of antique vases, it’s important to begin by researching the periods, styles, or manufacturers that interest you the most. By focusing on a specific category, such as Japanese Satsuma, Art Nouveau glass, or mid-century Scandinavian ceramics, you can deepen your knowledge and expertise in that area.

Visit reputable antique dealers, auction houses, and specialised exhibitions to educate your eye and understand market values. Examine as many genuine examples as possible to develop the tactile and visual knowledge necessary to identify authentic pieces.

Invest in quality reference books that are specific to your collecting interests. These resources offer invaluable information on identifying markings, manufacturing techniques, and the typical characteristics of authentic items.

Assessing Value and Investment Potential

The value of an antique vase is influenced by several factors, including its age, rarity, condition, provenance, artistic merit, and current market demand. Vases made by well-known manufacturers or designers typically achieve higher prices, especially those produced during limited runs or showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

Having documented provenance greatly enhances a vase’s value, particularly when it is associated with notable collections or historical figures. A vase that comes with paperwork verifying its history of ownership provides greater assurance of authenticity and may have a higher investment value.

Antique Vases at Jacksons Antique

Whether you are a serious collector, an interior design enthusiast, or simply someone who admires beautiful objects, understanding the history, characteristics, and proper care of antique vases enhances your appreciation for these enduring treasures. With the right knowledge and careful selection, antique vases can provide both aesthetic pleasure and potential investment value, adding a touch of history and refined craftsmanship to contemporary spaces.

At Jacksons Antique, our collection features a variety of pieces from Europe, Japan and China, all curated with an eye for quality and distinctive character. We invite you to explore these remarkable items that have captivated collectors and enthusiasts for generations.