Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Early 19th Century Chinese Minimalist Antique Chinese Cachepot
Granite
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Granite
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Granite
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Granite
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Granite
Sold|$1,480
Chinese Tree Trunk Container, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-crafted wooden container dates to the mid-19th century and was likely used to store various foods or household items. Darkened by a rich patina, the container is elegantly ...
Wood
Antique Chinese Blue Parcel Gilt Porcelain Jardinière Vase
Located in London, GB
This beautiful porcelain vase was crafted in China in the 19th century. The vase has a slightly
Porcelain
Sold|$1,180
Chinese Blue and White Charger, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
An elevated example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, this large footed dish charms with dark
Porcelain
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
in a Chinese kitchen to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. Chisel marks texture the raw stone
Granite
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a grain measure or kitchen mortar. The rustic container has a cylindrical form and a tur...
Pine
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a grain measure or kitchen mortar. The rustic container has a cylindrical form and a tu...
Pine
Sold|$1,680
Chinese Courtyard Grain Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic wooden container dates to the early 20th century and was once used to store dry goods or household items in a provincial home in Yunnan province. Hollowed from a single t...
Wood
Sold|$1,380
Chinese Courtyard Grain Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic wooden container dates to the early 20th century and was once used to store dry goods or household items in a provincial home in Yunnan province. Hollowed from a single t...
Wood
Provincial Chinese Grain Mortar, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century sculptural container was originally a handheld mortar used for grinding the outer husks off of rice and other grains. Textured by the natural knots and crevices of ...
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Pickling Basin
Located in Chicago, IL
A dark glaze cloaks the high, angular shoulders and tapered body of this squat kitchen vessel, save for the unfinished lip and base. The early 20th century ceramic basin was once use...
Ceramic
Sold|$2,580
Early 20th Century Chinese Eternity Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
Rendered in high relief, this ceramic jar’s dimensional bands, hobnail motifs and flower-filled medallions add visual interest and texture to its rich brown glaze. Decorated with chr...
Ceramic
Provincial Chinese Earthenware Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic vessel from Shanxi province has a smoky grey-taupe exterior with balanced proportions and a matte, unglazed finish. Charged with the humble task of storing dry goods, th...
Terracotta
Sold|$380
Chinese Lobed Pantry Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Charged with the humble task of storing dry goods, this small earthenware jar is hand-shaped with balanced proportions and a beautifully irregular unglazed surface. The round jar has...
Earthenware
Sold|$1,680
Large Chinese Pickling Jar, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling and storing various foods, this tall ceramic jar features a strikingly dark glaze. Set in high contrast by an unglazed lip and speckled with imperfection...
Ceramic
Chinese Glazed Pantry Jar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A dark glaze coats the angular body of this squat kitchen vessel, pooling in the shallow ridges along its sides with subtle iridescence. The petite early 20th century dish was once u...
Ceramic
Chinese Glazed Vinegar Jar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A thin, dark glaze clings to the angular shoulders of this petite jar, dripping down the textured sides in rivulets of navy blue. Crafted in the late 19th century, this wide-mouth ja...
Ceramic
Chinese Glazed Vinegar Jar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A dark, iridescent glaze clings to the angular shoulders of this petite jar, dripping down the textured sides in contrasting rivulets of navy blue. Crafted in the late 19th century, ...
Ceramic
Chinese Glazed Pantry Jar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A dark glaze coats the angular body of this squat kitchen vessel, pooling in the shallow ridges along its sides with subtle iridescence. The petite early 20th century dish was once u...
Ceramic
Sold|$3,680
Chinese Gnarled Trunk Mortar, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This large wooden mortar dates to the mid-19th century and was originally used for crushing rice, grain, spices and other foodstuffs. Carved from a single tree trunk, the mortar has ...
Wood
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of limestone, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The hand chiseled, rustic exterior ...
Limestone
Sold|$850 / item
Chinese Rose Medallion Porcelain Fishbowl Decorative Planter
Located in Astoria, NY
This Chinese Rose Medallion Porcelain Fishbowl features detailed scenes of court life, with figures
Porcelain
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of granite, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The timeworn exterior is patterned wi...
Granite
Chinese Studded Stone Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This stone mortar from the early 20th century was once used in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, rice, and other foods. Hand-carved from a solid block of limestone, the mo...
Limestone
Petite Chinese Footed Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite wooden vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods. Used as a pen holder, planter, or decorativ...
Wood
Sold|$1,880
Chinese Celadon Pickling Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling foods, this monumental early 20th-century ceramic vessel is cloaked in a beautiful celadon blue-green glaze. As the ocean colored glaze dripped down the ...
Ceramic
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a Provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of limestone, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The hand chiseled, rustic exterior ...
Granite
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of limestone, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The hand chiseled, rustic exterior ...
Limestone
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of granite, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The timeworn exterior is patterned wi...
Granite
Chinese Jade Peach Tree Bonsai Table Decor
Located in Guaynabo, PR
full of white pebbles. There are some Chinese characters written in the front of the planter that mean
Jade
Chinese Stone Kitchen Mortar, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a single block of limestone, this stone vessel is an early 19th century mortar once used to grind spices, herbs, and other condiments. The timeworn exterior is patterned ...
Granite
Chinese Stone Garlic Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single block of limestone, this round stone vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and other foods....
Limestone
Chinese Dark Glazed Kitchen Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
. As evidenced by the glazed interior, the wide-mouth jar was once used daily in a provincial Chinese
Terracotta
Sold|$5,880
Grand Chinese Glazed Relief Urn, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This monumental early 19th century finely glazed Chinese urn is eight-sided, an auspicious number
Ceramic
Petite Chinese Glazed Apothecary Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite glazed jar from China's Shanxi province exemplifies the timeless appeal of handcrafted
Ceramic
Chinese Dark Glaze Kitchen Jar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
. As evidenced by the glazed interior, this wide-mouth jar was once used daily in a provincial Chinese
Terracotta
Sold|$1,180
Early 20th Century Chinese Round Water Pail
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese scroll paintings. Used for ferrying water, this Qing-dynasty bucket draws attention to the
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Shanxi Vinegar Pot
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling foods, this monumental early 20th century vessel from China's Shanxi
Ceramic
Chinese Floral Sgraffito Kitchen Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A late 19th-century Chinese kitchen vessel glazed inside and out for use as a food storage
Earthenware
Chinese Floral Sgraffito Kitchen Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A late 19th-century Chinese kitchen vessel glazed inside and out for use as a food storage
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Chinese Shanxi Soup Pot
Located in Chicago, IL
Based on vessels fired in ancient Chinese kilns, this jar's perfect proportions haven't changed
Terracotta
Sold|$2,480
Chinese Drip Glaze Fish Pond, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling food, this large earthenware jar was sculpted in China's Shanxi
Earthenware
Chinese Export Large Canton Rose Medallion Porcelain Cache Pot & Stand
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export large canton Rose Medallion porcelain cache pot and stand, circa 1840-1860. The
Porcelain
For thousands of years, vases and vessels have had meaningful functional value in civilizations all over the world. In Ancient Greece, ceramic vessels were used for transporting water and dry goods, holding bouquets of flowers, for storage and more. Outside of utilitarian use, in cities such as Athens, vases were a medium for artistic expression — pottery was a canvas for artists to illustrate their cultures’ unique people, beliefs and more. And pottery skills were handed down from fathers to sons.
Every antique and vintage vase and vessel, from decorative Italian urns to French 19th-century Louis XVI–style lidded vases, carries with it a rich, layered story.
On 1stDibs, there is a vast array of vases and vessels in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Our collection features vessels made from delicate materials such as ceramic and glass as well as durable materials like rustproof metals and stone.
A contemporary vase can help introduce an air of elegance to your minimalist space while an antique Chinese jar would make a luxurious addition to an Asian-inspired interior. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a statement piece, consider an Art Deco vase crafted by Italian architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti.
Vases and vessels — be they handmade pots, handblown glass wine bottles or otherwise — are versatile, practical decorative objects, and no matter your particular design preferences, furniture style or color scheme, they can add beauty and warmth to any home. Find yours on 1stDibs today.

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum
The French sculptor shaped dense blocks into tactile forms meant to be used and held.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.