How to Choose Handmade Pottery at an Art Show

A handmade cup or bowl can look wonderful on a shelf and feel entirely different in your hands. At an art show, you can examine the piece and ask the maker how it was built and intended to be used. That conversation is one of the best parts of buying directly from an artist.

Decide how you want to use it

Start with a simple question: is this piece for food and drink, flowers, display, or something else? Do not assume every ceramic object is meant for the table. Ask the artist whether a vessel is food safe, whether it can hold water, and what they recommend for cleaning. If you need a microwave or dishwasher safe piece, ask that specifically. Materials, glazes, and construction vary, so the maker’s instructions matter more than a general rule about pottery.

Look and feel with care

Ask before lifting a piece. Then notice its weight, balance, rim, handle, and base. Does a mug feel comfortable when full? Does a bowl sit steadily? Look closely at the surface, including the foot and any unglazed areas. Variation is part of handmade work, but if you notice a crack, wobble, or sharp spot, ask about it before buying. The artist can tell you whether it is intentional, cosmetic, or a reason to choose another piece.

If you are considering a set, place the pieces together. Handmade items rarely match exactly; you can decide whether their differences feel lively and coherent to you. Our first original art purchase guide has more questions that apply across mediums.

Plan for the trip home

Ask for packing that protects handles, rims, and protruding details. Keep heavier pieces from resting on lighter ones and avoid leaving ceramics loose in a car. Our guide to taking new artwork home safely covers the journey from booth to home.

Before leaving, note the artist’s name and care advice. You will know how to use the piece—and whom to ask if a question comes up later.