It’s easy to walk past an old vase while browsing a charity shop without giving it a second glance. But if you’re lucky — and look closely — you could be standing in front of a rare collectible. There are often subtle clues that signal something special, from an unusual silhouette to the fine detail of a hand-painted decoration or a particularly striking glaze.
Some historic vases were crafted by renowned artists and makers, and can now fetch hundreds — even thousands — of pounds. To help you spot a hidden gem among the clutter, we’ve rounded up the types of surprisingly collectible vases worth keeping an eye out for.
1. Fan Vases
Hailing from the Victorian era, fan vases are named, aptly, for their fan-like shape. The unique design allowed the flowers to naturally spread outward instead of bunching together, as they would in a traditional vase silhouette.
'Fan vases were often used for table or mantel displays, where the arrangement could spread out and be seen from the front,' explains Erica Vevurka, vintage expert, interior designer, and founder of Dogwood Interiors. 'Some examples even include built-in stem dividers so the flowers do not all fall to one side or the other, which makes arranging much easier.'
Erica says you can find fan vases in a variety of materials, including silver plate, porcelain, pottery and glass. Depending on the material, maker and condition, their value typically ranges from around £40 to £120.
2. Flower Frog Vases
If you’re not familiar, a flower frog is typically a circular piece made from pottery, porcelain, glass or metal that sits inside a vase, with holes or pins to hold each stem in place. 'While flower frogs are often separate pieces that sit inside a bowl or vase, some vases were designed with the frog built directly into the top. You fill the vase with water and then place each stem into the openings so the flowers stay exactly where you want them,' Erica says.
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Flower frogs became popular in the early 20th century as arranging flowers at home grew in popularity. They come in a range of forms, from rectangular flower bricks with integrated frogs to more traditional vases with removable inserts.
Erica says makers like Wedgwood produced examples, and you will also see Delft-style pottery versions. Vintage flower frogs and frog vases typically range in value from around £20 to £120, depending on the maker and condition.
3. Fruit & Vegetable Majolica Vases
Fruit and vegetable decor is enjoying a modern revival, but this vintage vase style dates all the way back to the Italian Renaissance. It was also popular in the mid-1800s Victorian era, especially among English makers. You’ll recognise this valuable vase style by its colourful and realistic fruit and vegetable decorations.
'What makes these special today is their hand-painted charm, vibrant colours, and the whimsical way they bring personality to any space,' says Shannon Barker, vintage expert and co-founder of Bessette. 'When shopping, keep an eye out for marks or signatures. A lot of quality makers sign their pieces, which can help you know who made it and sometimes bump up the value. Some names we always look for are Minton, Bordallo Pinheiro, or Fitz & Floyd.'
Value depends on age, maker, condition, rarity and craftsmanship, but Shannon says most mid-century or late 20th-century fruit and vegetable pitchers in good condition typically sell for between £40 and £240. True 19th-century Victorian majolica pieces often range from around £120 to £1,200, while rare examples by well-known makers or with exceptional designs can fetch several thousand pounds or more at auction or in galleries.
4. Spill Vases
This unusual vase type dates back to the 19th century and was originally designed to hold little wooden tapers called 'spills.' These were used to start fireplaces and candles before matches became the norm.
'Many spill vases were made as part of Staffordshire figurines, so you often see them combined with sculptural scenes. These might show couples, men with horses, dogs, lambs, or other pastoral figures,' Erica says. 'That is part of what makes them so charming – because you are really getting both a sculpture and a vessel in one.'
Since the need for spills is mostly obsolete, many use them as bud vases, small floral arrangements, or to showcase dried branches. When shopping for spill vases, Erica says, 'Figures can have small chips or cracks, which can add a little character and patina. However, you want to make sure the actual vase portion is intact if you plan to put water in it.'
The most collectible examples are Staffordshire pieces made in England. You can often find vintage spill vases for around £40 to £200, depending on size, detail and condition, while rarer antique examples can command higher prices.
5. Ginger Jars
Ginger jars are rounded ceramic vessels with broad shoulders, a tapered neck and often a fitted lid. They’re best known for their intricate blue-and-white decoration, featuring everything from florals to geometric motifs. This style dates back to ancient China, where the jars were used to store spices — most notably ginger — and were often given as gifts for weddings and special occasions.
'Originally considered luxury items, ginger jars were displayed to show wealth and status. Even though these jars weren’t originally intended as vases, today they’re perfect for fresh flowers or branches,' Shannon says. 'Look for hand-painted designs of dragons, florals, or other traditional patterns that are especially meaningful and often symbolise good luck or fortune. Also, check to see if the ginger jar has a lid, as those are often more valuable than those without.'
Depending on rarity and condition, authentic ginger jars can be worth anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. It’s worth noting that many modern replicas are in circulation, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you’ve found the real thing.
6. Urn Vases
A vase style many people recognise, even if they don’t know its actual name, is the urn vase. The shape was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman vessels, and you see it everywhere from antique pottery and porcelain to stone or concrete urns on a front porch or in a garden.
'These vases are usually tall and elegant with a narrow body that sits on a short pedestal,' Erica explains. 'Urn vases work well for taller arrangements or branches because the narrow opening helps keep the stems upright.'
The value of an urn vase varies widely depending on the maker and material, but many vintage examples typically fall between around £30 and £200.
7. Basin & Pitcher Sets
In the 18th and 19th centuries, basin and pitcher sets were everyday essentials in washrooms. The pitcher held the water, and the basin caught it. By the Victorian era, Shannon says these sets became more decorative and ornate, with fancy ceramics and floral patterns all the rage. One example is the 1988 Laura Ashley 'Elizabethan Rose' basin and pitcher.
'While they’re no longer used for washing today, they make beautiful vases. A few stems of fresh blooms instantly bring it back to life,' Shannon says. 'The history and craftsmanship behind these pieces feel like a tiny time capsule, and you can really feel their charm when you add one to your home.'
Sets in good condition can sell for around £80 to £240, depending on the maker, pattern and condition. Rarer or more collectible sets can fetch higher prices, particularly if they’re well preserved or by a recognised designer. Shannon's advice is to always look for a matched set, as mismatched or incomplete ones tend to be less valuable.
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