Van Briggle
Pottery
Collecting Art Pottery Since 1901
Welcome to Van Briggle Pottery
Van Briggle Pottery is an American art pottery company that was founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado by Artus Van Briggle, an American potter of Dutch descent, who arrived there in 1899 and fired his first successful matte glazes in 1901. The company was known for its Arts and Crafts-style pottery and its iconic matte glazes in natural colors. Van Briggle's innovative glaze techniques and unique designs quickly gained popularity, and the pottery became highly sought after by art collectors.
The company experienced several changes in ownership and location over the years, but continued to produce handcrafted pottery until it closed in 2012. Today, Van Briggle Pottery is considered to be some of the finest American art pottery and is highly prized by collectors.
Collecting Van Briggle pottery is an excellent choice as it is still available at somewhat reasonable prices. Other familiar pottery names like Roseville, Weller, Rookwood, and McCoy which have been collected for much longer have seen their prices peak and then fall. Bottom line — they've simply been over-collected.
This makes collecting Van Briggle pottery not only less-costly, it enables you to build a collection that's more unique than the ubiquitous brands mentioned above. Early pieces (pre-1920) are the most sought-after, but even mid-century Van Briggle offers beautiful craftsmanship at accessible prices. Visit the Art Pottery Conservatory to explore more.
Identify, Date & Value Your Piece
Van Briggle Pottery Marks
Read the bottom: AA monogram, dates, and script styles from 1901 to 2012.
Dating Your Pottery
Pin a piece to its era from the marks, clay, and finishing.
Artist & Finisher Marks
Over 200 identified initials and maker marks.
Glaze Reference
Ming Blue, Mulberry, Persian Rose, Moonglo, and the early mattes.
Clay Body History
Why white clay means pre-1970 and buff means later.
Novelties & Figurines
Paperweights, incense burners, lighting, animals, and commissions.
Van Briggle Value Guide
What pieces sell for, by era.
Buying Guide
Where to buy and what to check before you pay.
Lorelei Vase
The siren on the rim, from 1902 originals to late production.
From the Museum Collection
Despondency, 1902
Lorelei, 1902
Daffodils, 1902
Peacock Feathers, 1904
Latest Articles
Is Van Briggle Pottery Still in Business?
No. Van Briggle Pottery fired its last kiln on Tejon Street on December 31, 2011, and closed its showroom in the spring of 2012. Here is what happened to the company, its name, and...
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Measuring Your Van Briggle Pottery
A tape measure across the front of a vase tells you one number. A digital caliper tells you four or five, and each one c...
The Van Briggle Collector's Toolkit
The tool list for collecting Van Briggle is shorter than it looks. Five or six things on a shelf next to the collection...
Anne Van Briggle: The Woman Who Saved a Pottery
When Artus Van Briggle died in 1904, his wife Anne didn't just carry on -- she expanded the pottery, designed the iconic...
From Rookwood to Van Briggle: Artus's Journey from Ohio to Colorado
Before founding Van Briggle, Artus spent 12 years at Rookwood Pottery -- the most prestigious art pottery in America. Wh...