Start with the base
Early pieces reward close inspection underneath. Handwritten dates, Aurora references, irregular glazing, and studio marks can be more informative than the decoration alone.
Field note 014 · 1983–1985
Before the checks: the early Aurora clay vocabulary
A collector’s visual guide to early majolica forms, handwritten marks, and the lively irregularities that distinguish studio-era work.
Variation is evidence—not automatic proof
Small differences in shape, glaze, and brushwork are consistent with handmade production. They help establish context, but should be considered alongside provenance and comparable documented pieces.
Document what you can see
Photograph the full object, base, maker’s mark, rim, handles, restoration, and any labels. Keep claims narrow when a date or attribution cannot be independently supported.