Loading Spinner

Bowls

The extended chronology of ceramic bowls weaves a narrative of artistic innovation and response to demand that spans millennia. Collecting ceramic bowls means buying into this rich history, from sturdy stoneware to precious porcelain.

Though the history of the bowl can be traced back to the world's earliest cultures, it was not until around 1500 B.C. that the first examples of stoneware, made from finer clay than its earthenware predecessors, began to be produced. Developed nearly simultaneously in India’s Indus valley civilizations and in the provinces of China’s Shang Dynasty, the tradition of stoneware continued to develop, reaching its peak of perfection among German potters in the mid-1200s.

From the springboard of stoneware, potters and ceramists around the globe experimented with and perfected a wide variety of porcelain types and glazing treatments. Today, an impressive array of antique and vintage bowls are available at auction.


Quick Facts

  • Medieval innovators discovered that adding sand to their clay increased its resilience to heat. As a result, later potters developed grog, a mash made from pot shards added to clay for a similar purpose
  • One of the world’s priciest antique ceramic bowls is the "Chicken Cup," dating to the 15th-century reign of Chinese Emperor Chenghua. It is so named for the chickens that appear in its decoration. The diminutive bowl, with a diameter of just of 3 inches, sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2014 for $36,300,000
  • The medium of porcelain also emerged during China’s Shang Dynasty. Though developed in China, it gets its name from the Italian word "porcellana," or "cowrie shell," for its typical translucent, milky finish after firing

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

A ceramic shell form dish (L:21cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A ceramic shell form dish (L:21cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A set of six Burleigh ware pan decorated bowls (Dia:19.5cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A set of six Burleigh ware pan decorated bowls (Dia:19.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A studio pottery folded bowl by Jim Curtis (W:30cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A studio pottery folded bowl by Jim Curtis (W:30cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A large green glazed pottery leaf dish, Length 54cm x 32cm
Nov 09, 7:30 PM AEDT
A large green glazed pottery leaf dish, Length 54cm x 32cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD151 Bid
A collection of serving dishes
Nov 09, 7:30 PM AEDT
A collection of serving dishes
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A mustard coloured ceramic kitchen suite featuring cicadas (Dia:28cm-largest bowl)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A mustard coloured ceramic kitchen suite featuring cicadas (Dia:28cm-largest bowl)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids
A collection of four Australian studio pottery black glazed dishes (L:14.5cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A collection of four Australian studio pottery black glazed dishes (L:14.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids
A bird decorated dish (35cm x 35cm) and small bowl (dia:20cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A bird decorated dish (35cm x 35cm) and small bowl (dia:20cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Bowls


Lawsons

Lawsons