TL;DR: This Notion template turns your porcelain collection research, wishlists, and care notes into a searchable “second brain.” You’ll build a database that tracks glaze types, maker histories, and buying criteria so you never impulse-buy a chipped vase again.
Step 1: Create the Master Database
Open Notion and create a new page titled “Porcelain Second Brain.” Inside, add a Database block (choose “Table” view). Name the database “Porcelain Pieces.” Add these properties: Name (title), Type (select: vase, plate, teapot, figurine), Origin (select: Jingdezhen, Meissen, Limoges, etc.), Glaze (multi-select: celadon, cobalt, famille rose), Condition (select: mint, minor wear, restored), Price Paid (number), and Buying Status (select: owned, wishlist, research only).
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Step 2: Add a “Buying Criteria” Checkbox Template
Click the “…” menu on the database, then “New template.” Name it “Porcelain Purchase Review.” Inside the template body, add checkboxes: ☐ Check for hairline cracks with a magnifying glass, ☐ Verify foot ring age (look for unglazed base vs. glazed base), ☐ Cross-reference maker’s mark with a trusted porcelain guide, ☐ Confirm glaze type matches the era (e.g., hard-paste vs. soft-paste). Every new entry starts with this checklist.
Step 3: Build a “Makers & Marks” Sub-Database
Create a second database linked to the first via a “Relation” property. Name it “Makers.” Add fields: Maker Name, Country, Active Years, Signature Mark Image Description (text field—describe the mark, e.g., “crossed swords in underglaze blue”), and Risk of Forgery (select: low, medium, high). Link each porcelain piece to its maker. This becomes your reference library for auction research.
Step 4: Add a “Care & Display” View
Switch your main database view to “Board” grouped by Glaze. Then create a new view called “Care Schedule.” Add a formula property: if(Type == “teapot”, “Hand wash only, no dishwasher”, if(Type == “vase”, “Dust with soft brush, avoid water inside”, “Wipe with microfiber cloth”)). Use this view to store notes on safe storage (e.g., “keep celadon away from direct sunlight to prevent fading”).
Step 5: Use Filters for Buying Trips
Before visiting a flea market or online auction, create a filtered view: Buying Status is “research only” AND Origin is “Limoges.” Add a property called Max Budget (number) and sort by that. This gives you a scannable list of what to look for—and what to walk away from.
Pro Tips
Use the “Calendar” view to track when you last inspected a piece for glaze crazing. Add a Last Inspected date property. Also, create a “Red Flags” page template listing common porcelain defects (e.g., “stilt marks on base = mass-produced”). Finally, tag every entry with Provenance (text) so you remember if you bought it from a trusted dealer or an unknown seller.
FAQ
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