Pottery, porcelain and ceramics are often used interchangeably, but they describe different materials. Pottery is made from clay fired at lower temperatures and tends to be more porous, while porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures, giving it a harder, translucent finish. Ceramics is the broader term covering both, along with stoneware and other fired clay pieces.
Origin and age can often be identified from a maker's mark or stamp on the base, along with the style of decoration and the glaze used. Older pieces may show crazing, a fine network of surface cracks in the glaze, along with chips or wear consistent with age and handling. Stock spans a range of origins and periods, so each listing notes the specific piece, its condition and any marks it carries.
Interest in collecting pottery, porcelain and ceramics often comes down to a mix of decorative appeal, craftsmanship and a connection to a particular period, country or maker. Collecting in this area can turn up a real mix of pieces, from Japanese Imari porcelain with its distinctive cobalt blue, iron red and gold decoration, to Chinese guardian lion figures, sometimes called Foo Dogs, and novelty teapots from British makers such as James Sadler. Part of the appeal is not knowing exactly what you'll find next, whether that's for display or the start of a themed collection.
