Italian Pottery Mask

To tell if a ceramic piece is Italian pottery, turn it over. Genuine Italian pottery normally has a rough unglazed area. Many pieces bear the mark of the artist or workshop who produced it. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

To tell if Italian pottery is real, first look at its markings and use trusted online resources to identify the possible maker. From there, research the defining characteristics of pottery made by that particular artisan, workshop or manufacturer and use those as a guide to evaluate your piece. You can also use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer to receive professional authentication. Explore a diverse assortment of Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

To identify Italian pottery marks, you can try checking trusted online resources and databases. Search for a description of the mark or browse images to look for ones that match. Because it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of pottery, you may wish to seek the help of a certified appraiser who is knowledgeable about Italian makers. With respect to Italian porcelain, major manufacturers include Richard Ginori and Capodimonte (the latter was founded by King Charles VII of Naples). Beginning in the mid-18th century, porcelain made by King Charles VII’s factory was stamped with a fleur-de-lis, usually in underglaze blue. Pieces from Ferdinand’s were stamped with a Neapolitan N topped by a crown. When secondary manufacturers began production, they retained this mark, in multiple variations. Find a collection of Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

What is most unique about ancient Italian pottery is its finish. Many pieces featured a tin glaze that is highly resistant to chipping and fading. The technique dates back to 9th-century Mesopotamia. You'll find a large selection of Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

To tell an antique Italian pottery apart from other pieces, do some research using trusted online resources. First, identify the maker by looking for marks on the bottom or interior. Once you know who produced your pottery, you can then explore the styles and types of pieces they produced over the years and use this information to estimate your piece's age. For pottery to be antique, it must be at least 100 years old. If you'd like assistance with the dating process, talk to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of antique Italian pottery on 1stDibs.