What Does 990 Stamped On Bottom Of Ceramic Vase Mean

Numbers molded into the bottom of american pottery pieces identify molds shapes and even product lines.

What does 990 stamped on bottom of ceramic vase mean.

A collection of pottery marks using photos and images from our antique collection for easy reference and as a quick guide to the possible attribution of your latest porcelain collectible or pottery marks. Porcelain marks are the fingerprints of antique china. Serving as both evidence of its origin age and often times quality the makers mark on a porcelain item is the first place many collectors look before making a purchase. The grueby vase pictured has a thick glaze in a unique green color characteristic of that specific pottery.

Hidden within the kanji the characters on the bottom of the piece you will typically find the production region a specific kiln location a potter s name and sometimes a separate decorator s identity but at times only generic terms were recorded and tracking down. Look for a usa mark and a number on the bottom. The overmark was then glazed over often causing the maker s mark to smudge. Identify the material of the vase.

Books and websites are helpful as well but seeing the piece in person always leaves a more lasting impression. Numbers alone do not necessarily identify the maker but they can help. What is the size and shape of the piece. The usa stamp identifies the piece as american made although it.

Some companies used two numbers some used four. Kite shaped marks date between 1842 and 1883 and sequential number marks designate vases beyond 1883 according to antique marks. Three square numbers on a white pottery bottom may be alamo pottery made in san antonio texas from about 1946 1952 or it may be gilmer another texas pottery in business for much longer. Most pottery and porcelain will have a maker s mark either stamped under the glaze or inscribed in the porcelain.

Look for an overmark which is a stamp placed on the bottom of a vase over the original maker s mark. Silver will have a hallmark indicating the factory and date and will be marked sterling or simply 925 or some variation ending in plate. Overmarks indicate a vase that was made from 1880 to 1930 and sometimes imported from europe. Unless you re familiar with the japanese language identifying japanese pottery and porcelain marks can be a daunting task.

The marks listed below are grouped as far as was possible in a logical order with similar signs graphics shapes etc grouped together. When repairing ceramic objects knowing it s origin and value is important prior to proceeding with investing in a repair.