Posted by I adore handmade pottery and buy pieces both for myself and my vintage business. But what I discovered, which will be to no one’s surprise, is that like any art form, desirability is subjective. I may look at a vase and think it’s stunning. You may look at it and think it’s a lump of ugliness. I may be intrigued by a piece’s quirkiness while you think it’s just poorly made. And on and on.
Which makes selling handmade pottery online rather a gamble. Since folks don’t see it in person before they buy and they’re paying shipping, it really has to be worth their while!
Of course like any field of endeavor, the more you know, the better. (One of my go-to sources for pottery research is The Mark’s Project.) But not being an expert I’ve bought dubious student pieces and lackluster generic pots that never sold and now I have a box of pottery that will soon land at a charity shop. But I have also bought and sold some amazing pieces and now I just need to be strict with myself and step up my game!
What I’m looking for…
Nowadays each piece I buy has to have at least three of five traits:
- Signatures or chop marks (dates are a bonus)
- Good form/technique/skill
- Appealing glaze
- Out of the ordinary
- Salability!
I don’t have a list of noted potters that I look for or even types of pottery so it’s a matter of seeing what catches my eye and giving it a thorough look over.
Here are a few things I’ve bought over the years that I would buy again today…
This small three-inch pot is a perfect example of four traits. It wasn’t valuable, but it was lovely and sold without fuss for $28.
Some years ago spotted this quirky, ribbed candle holder at an antique mall back in Western New York. Marked KOZ, ’78 it was only $10 and I felt it was one to buy with at least three of the necessary traits.
(“The Wizard of Clay”). It sold for $60.
This small black burnished vase is another bit of perfection in my books. Reminiscent of antique Japanese pieces it was made by noted potter Jan Schachter. This is part of my personal collection and looks rather fetching with a few wildflowers.
This larger, chunkier piece has subtle, interesting details and textures and looks good all on it’s own. Part of my personal collection.
I spotted this handmade gator at the flea market a couple of months ago and he ticked four of the traits. I’m not including “salability” because I know he is definitely long tail, but quirky things like this do sell.
Like this Chris Efstratis wall-hanging. I couldn’t leave it behind in the Junior League Thrift Store (and they were glad to see it go!). But as a signed piece from a notable artist it sold in a few months. (Paid $15, sold for $90.)
What I won’t be buying anymore…
This coming year I need to scale back in all areas of my buying and that definitely includes pottery.
Here’s what I won’t be buying:
- amateur pieces (notable for being surprisingly heavy or out of kilter)
- generic items (no mugs, bowls, etc.)
- those with no signature or marks
- those with ugly/out-of-fashion glazes
- small tourist Navajo or Hopi pieces
- ubiquitous Mexican pieces
I reluctantly added Mexican pieces to the list because I have some that have lingered too long, including Ken Edwards items. I’m wondering if the market is too saturated. That said I will still consider well-made burnished barro negro items.
Here’s an example of a piece in my store that I wouldn’t buy today. It’s a small Lisa Koch lidded box, so interesting, but I think the applied bits on top detract from the vibrant glaze, which could be offputting to folks as well! This will be going bye, bye in 2025.
As with any business venture, and indeed with life itself, it’s best to keep learning and growing. I don’t want to get stuck in old buying patterns that just aren’t working anymore.
Wishing you hunting success,
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 