Loading Spinner

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

See all items

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
bp parity badge
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
bp parity badge
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
bp parity badge
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
bp parity badge
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
Oct 31, 4:00 PM CET
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
by NORMANDY AUCTION
Est: €500- €700
€5000 Bids
bp parity badge
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
Oct 31, 4:00 PM CET
Amphora, Cecoslovacchia 1920 ca
by NORMANDY AUCTION
Est: €500- €800
€5000 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

Sellers Who Sell Vases


Eldred's

Eldred's

NORMANDY AUCTION

NORMANDY AUCTION

Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes