Just what is stoneware ceramic, anyhow? It’s a type of pottery made from stoneware clay, that is fired a high temperatures, usually between 2150 and 2330 degrees Farenheit, which creates a sturdy, dense material that has some key characteristics that make it different from other kinds of pottery.

• The high firing temperature renders it non porous and resistant to liquid and stain penetration.
• It’s one of the most durable forms of pottery, resistant to chipping and cracking, making it ideal for a variety of everyday uses.
• Its non-porous nature makes it useful for storing a variety of foods and beverages, including pickles, saurkraut, meats, sodas, oysters, and lots more.
• It often has a rustic, earthy look, due to natural variations in the color of the clay and glaze.
• It has use in tableware, cookware, and various decorative items, such as sculptures, vases, and tiles.

American stoneware can date from the 18^th to the 20^th century. Among the more famous makers are Red Wing Stoneware, McCoy Pottery, and Bennington Pottery. English stoneware can date as early as the 17^th century, with some of the best-known makers being Wedgwood, Staffordshire Potteries, and Doulton Lambeth. German, French and other European stoneware can be as early as the 16^th century.

Glazes and decorations can have major effect on value. Cobalt blue decorations applied under the glaze often appear on American and European stoneware. So do manganese oxide decorations, more brown in color than the cobalt. A green glaze called celadon is often associated with Chinese and Korean stoneware. Obviously stoneware comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, ages, origins, glazes and decorations. Why not let Sisco Antiques Appraisals help you learn about yours? Just click on the link below to get started.

https://siscoantiquesappraisals.com/appraisal/

German Bellarmine stoneware jug, 17th century. The jug on the left bears the coat of arms of the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

1 1/2 gallon open crock by E. Swasey & Co. of Portland, Maine. Late 19th / early 20th century.

Korean celadon glaze bowl in lotus design, ca. 1100-1250 AD.