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How to Identify Pottery and Ceramic Marks

Like other artists, ceramicists sign the pieces they create. These signatures -- called maker's marks -- are usually impressed onto the underside of a pot using a stamp similar to the tool used for creating wax seals. However, they may also be etched, painted or carved on the pot. In addition to the artist's name, signature marks can provide information about the source of the clay, location of firing, year of creation and other manufacturing details.

Things You'll Need

Gloves
Fine brush
Magnifying glass
Camera
Marker
Maker's mark reference

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the style or techniques used to make the pot; this can help narrow down the possible makers. For example, Staffordshire Potteries founded by Thomas Toft produced large quantities of slipware; much vintage and antique slipware can be traced to this production line.
- 2
  Put on gloves before touching the pot. The oil on your hands can stain the surface of the pot.
- 3
  Turn the pot over carefully.
- 4
  Brush the base of the pot with a dry, fine-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt. Look for an area of the base that is raised or has a concentration of painted marks.
- 5
  Examine the mark closely with a magnifying glass. Take a photograph of the mark if it is severely faded. Highlight the visible parts of the mark on the photograph.
- 6
  Look for a border or distinctive symbol. For example, Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufacturer's of Denmark marked its pieces with three blue waves. If the entire symbol is not visible, note the size, color and position of the mark.
- 7
  Look up the mark in a pottery mark reference guide such as the International Ceramics Directory.

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