Are old vases valuable?

Some are valuable, especially strong makers, rare forms, good size, fine decoration, and excellent condition. Many decorative vases are modest.

What vase details affect value most?

Material, maker, period, mark, size, decoration, restoration, condition, and provenance matter most.

Should I repair a vase before appraisal?

No. Photograph current condition first. Repairs can affect value and should be disclosed.

Updated May 4, 2026

Value of old vases

Old vase value depends on material, maker, period, mark, size, decoration, condition, restoration, provenance, and the right comparison market.

Generated editorial support image, not an auction lot. Vase value starts with material, maker, period, condition, and market category.

Found old vases and want to know if it matters?

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Quick value checklist

Photograph the whole vase, base, mark, rim, interior, decoration, repairs, chips, and size.
Separate porcelain, pottery, art glass, metal, export, studio, and modern decorative vases.
Do not price a vase by height alone; maker, material, period, and condition matter more.

Key value drivers

Vases can belong to porcelain, pottery, glass, metal, or decorative-arts markets. Value depends on material, maker, period, size, decoration, condition, restoration, and provenance.

Auction evidence from Appraisily's database

These records are market examples, not final appraisals. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, maker, completeness, and demand can materially change value.

Category	Sale	Date	Lot	Realized	What it shows
French porcelain vases	Leonard Joel	May 3, 2026	Pair of antique French porcelain pot pourri vases	AUD 4800	Porcelain maker and form can drive value.
Australian earthenware vase	Leonard Joel	May 3, 2026	Antique Australian glazed earthenware vase by Richard Sturrock	AUD 850	Pottery vases need a separate market read.
Art Deco glass vase	Crafted Auctions	May 3, 2026	Keith Murray for Stevens and Williams 1930s Art Deco green controlled bubble vase	USD 170	Glass vases need material and maker context.

Condition and authenticity cautions

Auction records do not prove your old vases value. Repairs, restoration, chips, cracks, crazing, fake marks, later reproductions, replaced parts, and incomplete sets can materially change value.

Photo checklist

Full object or set, front, back, base, maker marks, measurements, decoration, and scale reference.
Close-ups of chips, cracks, crazing, repairs, restoration, labels, signatures, boxes, receipts, and provenance notes.

Found an old item and want to know if it matters?