by Marisol Cruz Velasco

Pottery is a tangible window into history. Pottery is an enduring resource that allows historians and archaeologists to understand the lifestyles of past individuals and societies. With pottery tracing back to 10,000 years ago and even 20,000 years in China, pottery has been long-lasting and will continue to serve modern society not only as a means towards knowledge of the past but as an investment for the future.

Growing Popularity of Pottery Investment

Pottery investment, as of 2023, has become lucrative as a form of long-term profit for individuals and collectors. Pottery allows individuals to experience the piece not just through sight but also through touch. Picking up the pot and feeling the smoothness of the material or the unique bumps is part of the magical experience that not only serves a visual purpose but a practical one as well. Any type of pottery or ceramic, whether it be porcelain, slipware, or hard-paste porcelain, can be financially rewarding. With pottery, even just one piece can yield profit for the future as long as one does research into the quality and significance of the piece. Take, for example, a Poole pottery piece from the 1960s that was expected to raise £300 (518.90 SGD) to £600 (1,037.79 SGD) but drew bids as high as £6,000 (10,377.90 SGD) or at Bonhams auction house where a Copper piece, which went for £72 (124.54 SGD) in 1976, was sold for £15,000 (25,945.54 SGD) in 2003.

Factors Influencing Pottery Investment Returns

When evaluating the condition and authenticity of pottery items, one needs to take six aspects into account. The first is the condition of a piece of pottery. Mint condition means the piece is in perfect shape; this is vital for old pieces that attract high prices during auctions. Second rarity, as items that are hard to reproduce are deemed more valuable. The third is authenticity, as the piece needs to be real and authentic in order to hold a higher value. Fourth is aesthetics, as a pleasant appearance is the first thing people notice. Fifth is desirability, as a piece in high demand will further attract people's interest. Lastly, there is provenance, which refers to the past records of the piece's owner or if the piece has been passed down through generations. If the past owners are of high status, this adds to the value, which is a major trend in the art world and beyond.

Risks and Challenges in Pottery Investment

While pottery can bring lucrative profits through the investment of unique and desirable pieces, the industry can be competitive. This is good and bad. There is a lack of finance, raw materials, networks, and marketing. This might lead to counterfeit pieces, inferior maintenance, and lacking insurance considerations, thus making pottery have rocky market stability.

Strategies for Pottery Investment

However, by doing consistent and up-to-date relevant research on individual pieces in order to secure the best investment and collection of pottery for personal enjoyment, one can reap enormous benefits. Why? Because profit is not short-term but rather long-term, where, just like at Bonhams auction house, a copper pottery piece after 17 years has increased in value by 208 times its original price. Furthermore, by doing research on various different types of ceramic and pottery materials, an extensive portfolio will be formed, which is vital when engaging with auction houses and galleries, where the next investment piece will be recruited and profited from in the future.

Resources for Pottery Investment

Now is the best time to start your pottery investment! Through research on websites, articles, and attending in-person auction houses, the path to making a long-term profit is near. Check out Ceramic Arts Network, where information for pottery enthusiasts is abundant; Clay Times, where a shopping section with videos, guides, and teaching materials is available; or books from Simon Leach, an award-winning potter and author, that reveals the behind-the-scenes of his works. Knowledge is beautiful, and just like pottery investment, the craft takes careful planning but reaps beautiful outcomes. Just like pottery, we shape our lives with our two hands, and investing in pottery will be the first creative step. 

Visit our Website: www.meetarts.org

Pottery is here to stay as a long-term investment and MeetArts is at the forefront of of making pottery accessible. Check out MeetArts pottery collection at www.meetarts.org and mold your own financial success by not only investing in pottery but also in your future. If you just want a piece for yourself or to a gift a family member, MeetArts also facilitates the buying and selling process of pottery and more. Now is the time for pottery investment!