How Much Is Dedham Pottery Worth
The value of Dedham Pottery varies depending on factors such as the specific pattern, rarity, condition, and demand.
While prices have not fully recovered to pre-2008 levels, the higher end of the market remains strong.
White and blue crackle-glazed dinnerware and serving pieces with rarer patterns and experimental forms and glazes are fetching respectable prices at auction.
However, the value of the bunny pattern is seeing a decline as interest shifts towards rarer forms and decoration.
Prices can range from as low as $154 for a rabbit pattern bowl to as high as $5,535 for a volcanic glaze vase.
It is important to note that reproductions are available, so it is crucial to verify the authenticity of any Dedham Pottery piece.
Did You Know?
1. The most expensive piece of Dedham Pottery ever sold at auction was a rare Rabbit and Cabbage vase. It fetched a whopping $112,500 in 2011.
2. Dedham Pottery was first produced in 1896 by the Robertson family in Dedham, Massachusetts. It is known for its signature cobalt blue crackle glaze and nature-inspired motifs.
3. The pottery’s founder, H. E. A. Robertson, was an avid nature enthusiast. He would often spend hours studying the local flora and fauna, which served as the inspiration for many of the pottery’s designs.
4. Due to the painstaking process involved in creating Dedham Pottery, each piece was limited in quantity. It is estimated that only around 5,000 pieces were produced in total, making them highly sought after by collectors.
5. While most Dedham Pottery pieces were utilitarian, such as bowls and vases, the company also produced a limited number of decorative art tiles. These tiles featured intricate designs and were often used to adorn fireplaces and backsplashes in affluent homes.
History And Origins Of Dedham Pottery
Dedham Pottery, founded in 1884 by Hugh Robertson in Dedham, Massachusetts, has a rich history in the production of crackleware dinnerware and serving pieces. The pottery’s distinctive crackle glaze and cobalt border designs quickly made it a sought-after and recognizable brand among collectors.
Operating from 1896 to 1943, Dedham Pottery became a prominent manufacturer in Dedham, Massachusetts. Its high-fire stoneware, featuring a crackle glaze and elegant designs, set it apart from other pottery makers of the time. The most famous design produced by Dedham Pottery was the crouching rabbit, also known as “the Dedham rabbit,” which became the company’s trademark motif.
Throughout its existence, Dedham Pottery created more than fifty patterns for their white and blue crackleware. These patterns included designs featuring elephants, dolphins, polar bears, chicks, swans, turtles, ducks, butterflies, lilies, clover, and mushrooms, showcasing the pottery’s intricate attention to detail. This added to the allure and desirability of Dedham Pottery’s creations.
Popular Patterns And Trademarks Of Dedham Pottery
Dedham Pottery gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. The company’s crackleware dinnerware and serving pieces became highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. The crouching rabbit pattern, referred to as “the Dedham rabbit,” remains the most iconic and widely recognized design associated with Dedham Pottery.
Additionally, Dedham Pottery created a wide range of patterns, each with its own charm and appeal. From the elegance of elephants and swans to the whimsy of dolphins, chicks, and turtles, Dedham Pottery offered a variety of designs to suit different tastes and preferences. The patterns featured delicate blue and white crackle-glazed surfaces, showcasing the skill and artistry of Dedham Pottery’s decorators.
During Dedham Pottery’s production years, different markings were used to identify their pieces. Some of the early markings include CKAW (Chelsea Keramic Art Works) and C.P.U.S. (Chelsea Pottery U.S.). However, the most recognizable marking, used from 1896 to 1928, is a square blue stamp with “DEDHAM POTTERY” printed over a crouching rabbit, accompanied by two impressed foreshortened rabbits beneath. These markings serve as indications of authenticity and age for collectors and enthusiasts.
Pricing Trends And Market Value Of Dedham Pottery
The market for Dedham Pottery has experienced fluctuations in pricing over the years. Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, Dedham Pottery commanded high prices, but since then, prices have not fully rebounded. However, the higher end of the market remains strong for Dedham Pottery.
At auction, white and blue crackle-glazed dinnerware and serving pieces with rarer patterns and experimental forms and glazes continue to fetch respectable prices. The interest in Dedham Pottery has shifted towards these unique and uncommon forms. On the other hand, the value of the bunny pattern has declined as collectors’ attention turns to rarer designs and decoration.
- A set of 29 rabbit-decorated tableware pieces recently sold at auction for $400, falling within the estimated value range of $500-700. This indicates that while the rabbit pattern has experienced a decline in value, it still maintains a level of desirability among collectors.
Furthermore, specific rare forms of Dedham Pottery have achieved remarkable prices. For instance, a volcanic glaze vase from 1900 was sold for $5,535, surpassing its estimated value range of $1,000-1,500. This notable sale demonstrates the enduring appeal, value, and scarcity of exceptional Dedham Pottery pieces.
– The market for Dedham Pottery has seen fluctuations in pricing over the years.
– Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, Dedham Pottery commanded high prices, but since then, prices have not fully rebounded.
– However, the higher end of the market remains strong for Dedham Pottery.
– At auction, white and blue crackle-glazed dinnerware and serving pieces with rarer patterns and experimental forms and glazes continue to fetch respectable prices.
– The interest in Dedham Pottery has shifted towards these unique and uncommon forms.
– On the other hand, the value of the bunny pattern has declined as collectors’ attention turns to rarer designs and decoration.
– A set of 29 rabbit-decorated tableware pieces recently sold at auction for $400, falling within the estimated value range of $500-700.
– This indicates that while the rabbit pattern has experienced a decline in value, it still maintains a level of desirability among collectors.
– Furthermore, specific rare forms of Dedham Pottery have achieved remarkable prices.
– A volcanic glaze vase from 1900 was sold for $5,535, surpassing its estimated value range of $1,000-1,500.
-* This notable sale demonstrates the enduring appeal and value of exceptional and scarce pieces of Dedham Pottery.
Collectible Items And Rare Forms Of Dedham Pottery
Dedham Pottery offers collectors a diverse range of patterns and designs to explore. Although the bunny pattern may not be as highly valued as before, there are numerous other patterns and forms that are highly collectible.
Collectors are specifically drawn to Dedham Pottery pieces with rarer patterns and experimental forms. These unique and less frequently seen designs captivate enthusiasts and command respectable prices at auction. The market highly values these pieces for their rarity, offering collectors the opportunity to enhance their collections with truly distinctive items.
Furthermore, pieces with additional details such as initials, dates, or purchaser’s initials hold particular value for collectors. These markings provide historical context and enhance the provenance of the piece, adding to its allure and overall value.
- Dedham Pottery offers a wide range of patterns and designs for collectors.
- Collectors are interested in rarer patterns and experimental forms.
- Pieces with added details like initials or dates are valuable for collecting purposes.
“The bunny pattern may not be as highly valued as it once was, but there are numerous other highly collectible patterns and forms.”
Reproductions And Authenticity Of Dedham Pottery
With the increasing popularity of Dedham Pottery, there have been reproductions produced by the Dedham Historical Society and another company in Concord, MA. It is important for collectors to be aware that these reproductions exist and to ensure they are purchasing authentic Dedham Pottery.
Fortunately, reproductions are typically clearly labeled as such, helping collectors distinguish between original pieces and modern reproductions. Markings and stampings on the pottery can also provide clues about its authenticity, with the earlier square blue stamp with the crouching rabbit being a prominent indicator of genuine Dedham Pottery.
Overall, collecting Dedham Pottery offers enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of history and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of this renowned pottery. The market value of Dedham Pottery varies depending on factors such as pattern, form, rarity, and overall condition. With careful research and an eye for quality, collectors can curate a valuable and treasured collection of Dedham Pottery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dedham Pottery still being made?
Yes, Dedham Pottery is still being made today. The Dedham Historical Society, in collaboration with a company in Concord, MA, continues the tradition by producing reproductions of the original Dedham pottery. While the reproductions bear the Dedham Pottery name, they are clearly labeled as such to differentiate them from the original pieces. This ensures the preservation of the pottery’s legacy while allowing collectors and enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of Dedham Pottery in modern times.
How do I identify Dedham Pottery?
Dedham Pottery is easily identified by its distinctive design, notably by their iconic crouching rabbit motif on a crackled white glaze. This repeating rabbit pattern is one of the most recognizable features of Dedham pottery. However, Dedham pottery also includes a range of other designs featuring animals such as elephants, dolphins, polar bears, chicks, swans, and turtles, as well as nature-inspired motifs like butterflies, lilies, clover, and mushrooms. These various designs, each with its own level of rarity, help in identifying the unique and collectible pieces of Dedham Pottery.
How old is Dedham Pottery?
Dedham Pottery has a rich history spanning over a century. Established in 1896 by the Robertson family in Dedham, Massachusetts, it emerged as the successor to the previous pottery enterprise, Chelsea Pottery. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, Dedham Pottery boasts an impressive age of nearly 125 years. Throughout its long-standing existence, Dedham Pottery has become renowned for its unique creations and continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of ceramics.
What is the most collectable pottery?
One of the most sought-after and collectible pottery types is Ming Dynasty porcelain. These intricately designed ceramics, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and rich historical significance, are highly prized by collectors worldwide. The Ming Dynasty pottery often showcases detailed patterns, delicate landscapes, and vibrant colors, combining aesthetics with artistry to create an exceptional piece. The meticulous craftsmanship, combined with the rarity of the Ming Dynasty pieces, contributes to their desirability and makes them a highly collectible category of pottery.
Another highly collectible pottery type is Japanese Satsuma pottery. Originating from the Satsuma region in Japan during the Edo period, Satsuma pottery combines intricate designs with a distinctive crackled glaze, providing a unique and captivating appearance. Satsuma pottery pieces often depict scenes from Japanese mythology, flora, fauna, or intricate patterns with an exquisite attention to detail. The rarity, artistry, and historical significance of Satsuma pottery contribute to its popularity among collectors and make it a highly desirable investment in the world of pottery collecting.