Antique China Pottery – What Does that Mean?

Wedgwood china is an example of one of the finest types of china dishware available. Although it may sound confusing, "china" dishes are not made in China. The term is used in America to refer to fine, and often expensive, dinnerware. China patterns may refer to formal designs suitable for elegant dinners or to more contemporary motifs popular in recent years with a younger market.

Various Types of China

There are many different manufacturers of fine quality china and some are of particular interest to collectors. These include, but are not limited to:

Wedgwood

This British company makes traditional china dinner sets and tea services and has designed the dishware for the British royal household. Traditional blue and white Wedgwood is highly distinctive and a popular collectable. Older pieces often command good prices at auctions.

DanskDansk

Dansk china is collaboration between Danish designers and an American entrepreneur. One of the most popular patterns that Dansk produces is called Fjord. Designs across the product line can be mixed and matched and a single setting of dishware retails for around $100.

Haviland China

Although often mistaken as French, American David Haviland started pr oducing the fine quality china in 1853. Before the Haviland family relinquished control of the company in 1972, some 60,000 patterns were produced. The pieces are highly collectible for their historic and artistic significance.

Lenox

Lenox has created dishware since 1889 and is still going strong. New patterns are released on a regular basis and contemporary designs are mixed with classic ones. One of the most popular patterns today is called Opal Innocence. A 5-piece setting retails for around $110.

Royal Doulton China

Royal Doulton from the United Kingdom has produced porcelain and bone china dishware for more than 200 years. They design for the British royal family and produce a highly collectible line of signature design plates. One of their best selling patterns, Abacus, retails for around $130 per five-piece setting.

Spode

Since 1717 Spode has produced fine dishware including elegant holiday and Christmas designs. One of the current popular patters, Albany, reta ils for $72 for a place setting of five pieces.

Reed & Barton

Since 1824 Reed & Barton have been America's oldest silversmiths also specializing in dinnerware and ornaments. The company is especially known for its Shamrock tableware. Cups and saucers with detailed designs retail for around $70 a set.

Villeroy & Boch

Founded in 1748 in France, the company produces fine tableware and decorative goods such as vases and bowls. Villeroy & Boch is one of the oldest European manufacturers of dinnerware and the average five-piece dinner setting costs around $90.

Continue to: Guidelines for Buying Antique China Products

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