We’ve written about the unpopularity of ceramics that once dominated the collectibles market—Hummels, Toby mugs, and dish sets in pre-1980s China cabinets. A difficult part of our job is telling someone that “grandma’s” beloved China is valueless. With some exceptions—notably Herend and Meissen—most dishes bring a fraction of what they once did.
That said, the world of ceramics is broad and still filled with treasures. The term “ceramics” can mean pottery, porcelain or other hard-fired or translucent pieces. All categories can yield high prices.
Passing through our hands this week:
An 1880s ceramic plaque—almost like a painting in clay—that once brought $5,000, recently sold for $2,000.
Asian ceramics, always a strong category, with pieces ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on age, provenance and quality.
Modern masterworks, including a group of Picasso ceramics consigned to us; estimates range from $2,000–$3,000 for smaller works to $5,000–$7,000 for larger examples. We also have unusual pieces by Fernand Léger.
Cincinnati art pottery: while a bit weak, artist-signed pieces from Ohio potters still have an audience. Some Rookwood pieces still bring thousands.
As to Picasso ceramics, imagine: once upon a time, collectors paid $2,000–$5,000 for Hummels or Tobys. Today, you can acquire an authentic Picasso ceramic—something the artist himself designed—for under $10,000, and often even under $5,000. A strange but fascinating reality of collecting: markets and tastes change, but quality and artistry endure.
As always, we’re buying. Whether an overlooked piece of old Asian pottery or a signed Picasso piece gathering dust—or, like the Ming statue with a broken arm we sold for over $10,000, a piece rejected by the big NYC auction houses as unsellable because of the repairs—bring it in. We’ve seen it all.
