How pottery marks are used to identify artists and ceramicists
When we think of the ancient Egyptians, we might think of their pyramids and mummies, but they also made pottery, and the pottery they made was remarkably varied. It ranged from small pieces that were made for everyday use to large vessels used to store and transport food and drink. The vessels were also made in a wide variety of styles, from simple shapes like cylinders to more complex forms like the elaborate vases that the Egyptians made.
Pottery marks are often the only way to identify a specific pottery maker or pottery style. They can also be used to identify the location where the pottery was made and to help date the pottery. When studying pottery marks, the first thing to look for is a signature. This is the name of the potter or pottery maker who made the pot. It may be a simple mark like a circle or a dot, or it may be a more elaborate design, such as an animal or a plant.
Different pottery marks
There are many different types of pottery marks, some of which are listed below:
- Figures – Figures are usually geometric patterns that are found on the outside of pottery. They are used to identify the pottery maker or pottery style.
- Circles – Circles are the most basic form of figure. They are usually found on simple pottery shapes like cylinders, lids, and bowls.
- Squares – Squares are sometimes found on the outside of pots or vessels. They are used to identify the pottery maker or pottery style.
- Rectangles – Rectangles are also used to identify the pottery maker or pottery style. They are usually found on simple shapes, such as lids or bowls.
- Triangles – Triangles are used to identify the pottery maker or pottery style. They are usually found on simple shapes, such as lids or bowls.
- Squiggles – Squiggles are also used to identify the pottery maker or pottery style. They are usually found on simple shapes, such as lids or bowls.
Some of the pottery marks, such as the triangles, circles, and squares, are made with a number of different symbols.
Pottery marks are like fingerprints – each one is unique and can be used to identify the artist. But how do you know which pottery mark belongs to which artist?
There are a few ways to identify pottery marks.
- One way is to look at the overall shape of the mark. Is it a simple circle or oval, or is it more complex? The more complex the shape, the more likely it is to be the mark of a skilled potter.
- Another way to identify pottery marks is to look at the way the mark is made. Is it carved, stamped, or painted on? Carved marks are usually the most difficult to identify, as they can be very simple or very complex. Stamped marks are usually the easiest to identify, as they are usually made with a simple stamp that includes the artist’s initials or name.
- Finally, you can also try to identify the artist by the subject matter of the pottery. Does the pottery feature animals, flowers, or other objects? Each artist has their own style, so looking at the overall subject matter can sometimes help you narrow down the field.
Pottery marks are a great way to identify the artist of a piece, but they are not the only way. If you can’t identify the artist by their mark, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to do it!
