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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 alabaster vases
Mar 01, 8:45 AM EST
Pair of alabaster vases
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: ¥270- ¥360
¥1803 Bids
A collection of Anita Harris hand painted vases (H:28cm-tallest)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A collection of Anita Harris hand painted vases (H:28cm-tallest)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD151 Bid
A large Falcon ware vintage vase (H:38cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A large Falcon ware vintage vase (H:38cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD151 Bid
An Australian studio pottery vase by John Garret (H:30cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
An Australian studio pottery vase by John Garret (H:30cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A possibly Dutch mosaic ceramic vase (H:19.5cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A possibly Dutch mosaic ceramic vase (H:19.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A vintage 1970's studio pottery vase (H:18cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A vintage 1970's studio pottery vase (H:18cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
Studio pottery vase, signed "Adele" to base (H:13cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
Studio pottery vase, signed "Adele" to base (H:13cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A collection Griffon studio pottery vases (H:22cm-tallest)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A collection Griffon studio pottery vases (H:22cm-tallest)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A collection of Diana pottery vases (H:29cm-tallest)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A collection of Diana pottery vases (H:29cm-tallest)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A pair of French style ceramic urns (H:51cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A pair of French style ceramic urns (H:51cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A Bitossi blue glazed studio pottery vase (H:17cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A Bitossi blue glazed studio pottery vase (H:17cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
A ribbed terracotta vase, Height 62cm
Nov 09, 7:30 PM AEDT
A ribbed terracotta vase, Height 62cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD151 Bid
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NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
Aug 21, 10:00 AM EDT
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
by Eldred's
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
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NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
Aug 21, 10:00 AM EDT
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
by Eldred's
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
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A fine Neoclassical hand-painted porcelain vase, marked Pirkenhammer, H 46 cm
Dec 31, 10:00 AM CET
A fine Neoclassical hand-painted porcelain vase, marked Pirkenhammer, H 46 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €1,200- €1,800
€6000 Bids
THREE MONOCHROME-GLAZED VASES The green and black glazed vases, 18th century; the other 18th/19th century
Mar 10, 11:00 AM EDT
THREE MONOCHROME-GLAZED VASES The green and black glazed vases, 18th century; the other 18th/19th century
by Figlio Designs Auctioneers and Appraisers
Est: $1,200- $1,800
$1,2000 Bids
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
Aug 21, 10:00 AM AEST
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
Aug 21, 10:00 AM AEST
NILS THORSSON FAIENCE VASE Denmark, 1898-1975 Height 7.25".
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
Nov 27, 2:30 PM EST
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
by dp lawsons
Est: $500- $700
$5000 Bids
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
Nov 27, 2:30 PM EST
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
by dp lawsons
Est: $500- $800
$5000 Bids
A retro ceramic vase (H:24cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A retro ceramic vase (H:24cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids
West German ceramic drip glaze vase (H: 12.5cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
West German ceramic drip glaze vase (H: 12.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids
A large hand decorated Eastern pierced lidded urn (H:45cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
A large hand decorated Eastern pierced lidded urn (H:45cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD150 Bids
Pair of German flambe drip glaze vases (H: 16cm)
Nov 09, 1:00 PM AEDT
Pair of German flambe drip glaze vases (H: 16cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD150 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Vases


Lawsons

Lawsons

Eldred's

Eldred's

Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes