Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the difference between sculpture and ceramics?

1 Answer
What is the difference between sculpture and ceramics?
The difference between sculpture and ceramics comes down largely to form and materials. Sculptures are three-dimensional works of art that can be produced out of a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, metal or plaster. Ceramics are decorative objects made out of earthen materials, such as clay. Some sculptures are made of ceramics, but ceramics can also be used to produce other types of objects, such as bowls, vases and dinnerware. Shop a wide variety of sculpture and ceramics on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
Shop for Ceramics on 1stDibs
Fish-shaped ceramic dish, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A decorative ceramic dish depicting a stylized fish, typical of 1970s design. Its expressive shape and detailed reliefs, mimicking the fish's scales, fins, and lines, give it a graph...
Category

Vintage 1970s French French Provincial Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Art Nouveau Vase Ceramics, Floral Turquoise & Blue Josef Ekberg Sgrafitto 1919
Located in Stockholm, SE
An art nouveau vase in ceramics designed by Josef Ekberg at Gustavsberg in 1919, this vase is from the classic Sgrafitto-serie. The vase is 34.5 cm (13.8") tall. It is in very good c...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Brown Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1969
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1969. Great condition. Signed Thell '69. Claes Thell is a Swedish cera...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Antique French Green Glazed Terracotta Dairy Bowl / Tian, Provence, c. 1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Great piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful green color, France, circa 1850. Good but weathered condition.
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Decorative Bowls

Materials

Terracotta

Large 18-19th Century Spanish Glazed Earthenware Bowl
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare and beautiful Spanish earthenware bowl. Wonderful decoration with a bird sitting on a vase of flowers Sevilla, Spain, circa 1750-1850 Weathered and amazing antique repair ...
Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Rustic Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Austrian Ugly Devil Face Jug Pitcher, Vintage Austria Earthenware Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or kitchen counter with this elegant and characterful antique jug or pitcher. Created by an artisan in Carinthia, Austria, this distinctive piece features a sculptur...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Shop All