A Pair Vases Antiques

To tell if a vase is antique, look for a mark on the bottom of the vase either a NIPPON mark or an overmark over the original maker’s mark.

The easiest way to identify an antique vase is to check for logos, artist's name or signature at the bottom. These marks may be painted, inked or inscribed. You can also check the edges to identify an antique vase — they are generally more smooth and polished than the rest of the piece. Find an extraordinary collection of antique and vintage vases and vessels on 1stDibs.

The best way to identify an antique porcelain vase is to check for a maker’s mark. Gently flip the vase over and look for a signature or logo on the bottom. You may also find the name of the artist or designer. Old vases were also made in wood-based kilns, so an antique vase will likely have small imperfections such as coarseness, crackling or asymmetry. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your vase. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of expertly vetted antique porcelain vases.

There are a few ways to tell the approximate age of a porcelain vase, including identifying the maker's mark. These are usually located on the bottom of the vase. The maker's mark can help you find the era of manufacture once you know the company or studio that produced the piece. Look for imperfections, which were inevitable with wood-fuelled kilns of the past but uncommon with modern gas-fuelled kilns. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique porcelain from some of the world's top sellers.