What Does 990 Stamped On Bottom Of Ceramic Vase Mean

Porcelain marks are the fingerprints of antique china.

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. The grueby vase pictured has a thick glaze in a unique green color characteristic of that specific pottery. Silver will have a hallmark indicating the factory and date and will be marked sterling or simply 925 or some variation ending in plate. Identify the material of the vase.

Notice the block style to the numbers on this gilmer vase right made with white clay. Books and websites are helpful as well but seeing the piece in person always leaves a more lasting impression. What is the size and shape of the piece. Some companies used two numbers some used four.

The overmark was then glazed over often causing the maker s mark to smudge. 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. Numbers alone do not necessarily identify the maker but they can help. Kite shaped marks date between 1842 and 1883 and sequential number marks designate vases beyond 1883 according to antique marks.

Most pottery and porcelain will have a maker s mark either stamped under the glaze or inscribed in the porcelain. 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. When repairing ceramic objects knowing it s origin and value is important prior to proceeding with investing in a repair. The usa stamp identifies the piece as american made although it.

Look for a usa mark and a number on the bottom. 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. Unless you re familiar with the japanese language identifying japanese pottery and porcelain marks can be a daunting task. Look for an overmark which is a stamp placed on the bottom of a vase over the original maker s mark.

Overmarks indicate a vase that was made from 1880 to 1930 and sometimes imported from europe. The marks listed below are grouped as far as was possible in a logical order with similar signs graphics shapes etc grouped together.