The Valuable Pottery Brand You Don't Want To Pass Up If You're Lucky Enough To See It

If you're a longtime fan of bold interior design, you probably already know that a single great piece of vintage pottery can transform an entire room. While there are plenty vintage pottery to look for at the thrift store, there is one artist whose eclectic and unique pieces offer the perfect blend of bold design with historical weight you're likely looking for: Clarice Cliff. She was an ambitious pioneer who broke plenty of rules of traditional ceramics in the 1920s and 30s. At a time when most dinnerware were featuring delicate, muted florals, Cliff created colorful and distinct geometric designs. These exciting pieces are defined by their high-contrast colors and avant-garde shapes that'll look just as fresh on a table or bookshelf... if you can manage to find one.

Cliff's work is instantly recognizable thanks to its thick, hand-painted enamel and colorful patterns. One of the most famous motifs to look out for is her "Crocus" pattern, which sports purple, orange, and blue Crocus flowers and green leaves. Beyond the paint, Cliff experimented with radical clay forms. Look for her exciting sugar sifters shaped like cones or teapots with unlooped triangular handles. These pieces were originally made to be used in homes, but today they are celebrated as great members of the Art Deco era. And finding a genuine piece is like owning a small slice of art history (that packs a huge visual punch). Because Cliff's style was so distinct, any piece of hers you own will become an eye-catching focal point for any art appreciator looking to add a pop of vintage personality to their home.

Spotting some Clarice Cliff pottery in the wild is thrilling but, as with any art, it pays to know how to tell the fakes from the real thing. The first thing you should do when inspecting is flip the piece over and check the backstamp. Most authentic items will feature (at the very least) the design name and her signature. While many of her pieces were mass produced by a team she oversaw and can be found for a few hundred dollars, rare patterns are a different story. Highly coveted designs like "May Avenue" or her "Age of Jazz" figurines are incredibly rare and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at high-end auctions.

Also, pay close attention to the colors of the paint and the ceramic's weight. Fake Cliff pottery reproductions usually have watery colors, and the colors tend to look much paler too, or even flat. Be wary of pieces that feel too heavy or have sloppy, blurred lines as they could be fake reproductions. Check for something called crazing, which are tiny cracks in the clear glaze, as well. And while minor wear is expected on older pieces, pieces in pristine condition with unfaded colors will always command the highest prices. Investing in Cliff's work isn't just about the money, though; it's about preserving a legacy of fearless female design. There are plenty of tips on how to spot valuable high-end items at thrift stores, and some pottery by Clarice Cliff could be a masterpiece you stumble upon.