Whyare pottery markings important? Throughout time, pottery artists havesigned their work. For example, an exquisite ancient Greek vase called“Lekythos with Boar Hunt” was signed ‘Made by Xenophantos the Athenian'circa 380 B.C. Today, potters continue to mark their work. Obviously,they are important because markings tell us which line or who a pieceof pottery is from. But markings can tell us much, much more.

Ifyou turn over a piece of pottery, you will probably see a mark stamped,incised, painted or printed on the bottom. Some manufacturers useprinted labels. You may also have a piece that was never marked orwhere the label has fallen off. An unmarked piece of pottery can beeither good or bad. It is good if you recognize it and the piece hasbeen under-priced. It is bad if you do not recognize the piece and haveno idea of its value.

Manufacturers changetheir logos and marks over time. Some marks reflect changes in acompany’s name. Red Wing operated as Red Wing Stoneware Company, RedWing Union Stoneware Company, and finally as Red Wing Potteries from1878 to 1967 in Minnesota. It had more than 35 different marks, some ofwhich documented the metamorphosis of the company. Other marks showcasea featured designer. For example, sculptor Carl Romenelli designed somefigures and figurines for Metlox Potteries (1927-1989) in the early1940’s. You will find his signature impressed close to the bottom onsome of his creations, as well as the usual Metlox stamp on the bottomof the piece. Sometimes a company simply marked the name of the patternof dishware that they were making. Knowles, Taylor, Knowles (1854-1931)marked several of their lines without naming themselves as themanufacturer, including their “Montana,” “Cornell” and “Maine”patterns. Decorators also left their marks on pieces at companiesincluding Weller Pottery (1872-1948) and Brayton Laguna (1927 1968). InBrayton Laguna’s case, sometimes the only identifying mark is that ofthe decorator.

What does all of this tell you?By learning the marks of your favorite pottery, you will be able to geta feel for the date of manufacture. You might also find a very valuablepiece that someone has overlooked because the piece is only marked bythe designer. Or, you may find yourself entranced by the way a singledecorator works and only look for pieces on which he or she worked.Lastly, and very importantly, knowing marks can help prevent you frombuying a fraudulent piece. Some manufacturers have made molds fromexisting pieces, then made new pottery and attempted to sell it as newor “reproductions.” Knowing marks can help you from buying a fake.

Source life123.com