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9 Old Vases That Are Worth A Fortune (And How to Spot One)

Don't let these artsy items sit in storage.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated April 22, 2026

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Some home accents are more than just pure decor. What might seem like a plain pitcher could fetch a high price at auction. So if you have an old vase that's just gathering dust, we've got you covered with all the information you need to distinguish timeless treasures from cheap imitations.

Here are nine potentially valuable vases you might already have at home.

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Ancient Greek Vases

These museum-worthy artifacts are a rare find. But if you do have pottery from ancient Greece, it could be worth a handsome reward. Whether an ancestor was an antiquities collector or you're not sure how you ended up with the vase, this type of collectible is something you need a professional to value ASAP.

How much are ancient Greek vases worth? The answer depends on the authenticity, period/date, and condition. But in 2024, a red-figured neck-amphora (a storage jar with a slender neck and, as the name implies, red figures) dated at 450 B.C.E. had an estimated worth of $400,000 to $600,000, according to Christie's.

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Ming Vases

Made during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), these prized porcelain pieces are known for a distinctive blue-and-white design. The Chinese artifacts have a delicate elegance that goes well beyond plain pottery.

You need a professional who specializes in Chinese art/artifacts to accurately appraise one of these extremely expensive items. Sotheby's recently listed a double-gourd-style Ming vase with an estimated value of $100,000-$300,000 HKD (approximately $12,800-$38,400 USD, depending on the current conversion rate).

Tiffany Art Nouveau Vases

When you think of the iconic American Art Nouveau Tiffany style, lamps may come to mind. But the studios of artist Louis Comfort Tiffany also produced other accents, such as iridescent Favrile glass vases.

Inspired by nature, Art Nouveau pieces have an understated aesthetic with a subtly modern feel. A true Tiffany vase is worth thousands of dollars at auction. Auction house Toomey & Co. estimated a Tiffany Studios Egyptian Onion Vase (made circa 1906) at $2,500-$3,500.

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Wedgwood Vases

The classic blue-and-white Jasperware Wedgwood look has a timeless, traditional appeal. While this distinctive type of vase may not be as valuable as ancient artifacts, the ceramic pieces (crafted by the English Wedgwood company) are still pricey. Sotheby's estimated a recently auctioned two-handled Jasperware vase at $4,000-$6,000.

Meissen Vases

Made by the renowned Meissen Manufactory, these German porcelain vases typically feature intricate designs, making them highly prized pieces. Even though you will need a pro to authenticate this type of art, start by searching for the maker's crossed sword mark.

What are these vintage items worth? An extremely rare pair was valued by Sotheby's at $80,000-$120,000.

Murano Glass Vases

True Italian Murano glass is worth hundreds of dollars or more. Sotheby's recently listed a 1970 piece for $650.

Is your vase authentic or an almost-identical copycat? Real Murano vases typically have the artist's signature etched into the glass and feature tiny imperfections or air bubbles. Given the large number of dupes sold in discount stores like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx, authentication from a credible source is important.

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Qing Vases

Like Ming vases, Qing vases were produced during a specific time in China's history. Made during the Qing Dynasty, these artifacts date from 1644 to 1911. True Qing pieces are porcelain or painted-enamel artworks made at the royal factory, and should bear a reign mark.

Like other vintage vases, this style is worth more than just a couple of dollars. Christie's recently valued an 18th-century Qing triple-gourd vase at $200,000-$400,000 HKD ($25,500-$51,000, depending on the current conversion rate).

Baccarat Crystal Vases

Crystalware has a luxe look and standout sparkle that makes it a popular pick. But not every "crystal" vase is true Baccarat. This designation belongs to accents made by the notable French manufacturer.

Authentic pieces should have an engraved or laser-etched logo/inscription "Baccarat France" or "Baccarat" along with a red, white, or gold sticker (on modern items). Unlike copycats, true Baccarat crystal is extremely heavy, giving the vase a noticeable weight. Sotheby's listed a contemporary 2022 Baccarat Infinity Vase for $9,000.

Japanese Satsuma Vases

These earthenware pieces have a cream-colored crackle finish and detailed hand-painted multicolor enamel designs. Early Satsuma vases are highly valued, fetching thousands of dollars. Sotheby's listed a pair from the late 19th century for $4,000. Later post-Meiji (after 1912) pieces aren't worth as much. Of course, that doesn't make them cheap.

Earlier Japanese Satsuma accents are often unmarked, making authentication tricky. Later vases may have the circle with a cross mark (the crest of the Shiamazu Mon family) or read "Made in Japan."

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Bottom line

Is it easy to supplement your income by selling a vintage vase? If you're not sure whether your old vase is the real deal, leave it to a pro. An antique valuation is the first step in determining whether your piece could potentially turn a profit.

Look for a maker's mark, signature, stamp, or other identification on the bottom or inside of the vase. A certified appraiser can assess the item and provide you with the current market value.

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