Functional Ceramics: Presentation & Pricing

Are You Ready to Sell Your Pots in a Gallery?

If you’re thinking about selling your pottery in a gallery, the first step is to get familiar with the landscape. Start by visiting your local galleries (yes, more than one) and take a good look at the quality and presentation of the work that’s already being shown. Every gallery has its own standards and style, so it’s helpful to get a sense of what’s out there.

As you browse, pay attention to the details that matter:

• Symmetry
• Wall evenness
• Weight distribution
• Size range
• Trimming quality
• Price points

Then ask yourself: How does my work compare?

Presentation Matters

Before submitting your work for consideration, take a moment to really inspect each piece. Some things that might seem minor to you could be red flags to a gallery owner or collector:

• Sand off any sharp edges from the clay body, glaze, or residual kiln shelf fragments. Sharp edges don’t just feel unfinished, they can be dangerous.
• Look carefully for hairline cracks. Even small flaws like this can compromise the piece and your reputation.
• Check for an even glaze application. Drips, pinholes, or patchy coverage will stand out.
• Sign your pots. This not only adds value, it builds your identity as an artist.

Pricing Your Pots

Pricing can be tricky, and it definitely varies depending on the region, market, and even the gallery itself. For example, in Colorado Springs, we’ve purchased well-made 12–14oz mugs for $22 to $68. In other parts of the country or high end art festivals, we’ve seen prices go as high as $120 for a similar mug.

The key? Do your research. Visit galleries, talk to other potters, and ask questions. Understand your local market—and price accordingly.

Below is a general pricing guide for potters who are technically advanced and just beginning to sell their work. This guide gives a range to reflect both simple and more complex styles:

✨ Add $10–$20 to the prices below if you’re an established potter (5+ years advanced level) working in a simpler style.
✨ Add $20–$40 if your work is more intricate and have been producing advance level work for 5+ years.

(For reference: The potters represented at 45° would be considered advance-level artists.)

Suggested Pricing

Mugs

• 8 – 10 oz small $22
• 10 – 12 oz $27
• 12 – 14 oz large $32
• 14 – 16 oz $37
• 16 – 18 oz stein $42

Dinner Plate | 10-11inch diameter $35

Salad Plate | 7-8 inch diameter $25

Soup Bowl | 6-7 inch diameter $25

Serving Bowls ( approximately 3-4 inches tall)

•  x Small | 7-8 inch diameter $30
•  Small | 8-9 inch diameter $40
• Medium | 9-10 inch diameter $50
• Large | 10-11 inch diameter $60
•  x Large | 11-12 inch diameter $70

Platter / Tray (rectangle or oval shape)

• Small | 6×10 inches $35
• Medium | 10×14 inches $65
• Large | 14×18 inches $95

Pitcher

• 10oz $24
• 20oz $48
• 32oz $76

Teapot | 30oz $85

Honey Pot | 8-10oz $32

Large Pie Plate | 9-10 inch diameter  $40

Lidded Casserole | 8-9 inch diameter and 2-3 inches deep $65

Lidded Butter Dish (standard US stick of butter)  $40

This blog series is intended to support and encourage emerging artists who are navigating the world of gallery representation. If you’re passionate about your craft and ready to grow, keep following along—we’ll be covering more topics like branding, artist statements, approaching galleries, and more.