TL;DR: A Notion database is a flexible collection of pages that share the same properties, and you can build one in minutes by creating a table, defining fields like “Maker” and “Price,” and adding one row per porcelain piece. Use it to catalog your collection, track wishlist items, and compare vendors or auction results in a single view.
Step 1: Create a New Page and Insert a Table
Open Notion and create a fresh page titled “Porcelain Collection Tracker.” Type /table and choose “Table – Inline” from the menu. Notion generates a database with three starter rows and columns named “Name,” “Tags,” and “Status.” Rename the database by clicking its title above the table.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on Top 10 Porcelain Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Best.
Step 2: Define Porcelain-Specific Properties
Click the + at the far right of the header row to add fields. For a porcelain buying guide, set up: Maker (Select: Meissen, Sèvres, Royal Copenhagen, Herend, Limoges), Pattern (Text), Era (Select: 18th c., 19th c., Art Nouveau, Mid-Century), Condition (Select: Mint, Excellent, Good, Restorable, Damaged), Price Paid (Number, format as Dollar), Current Value (Number), Authenticated (Checkbox), and Notes (Text). Keep Select options short so filtering stays fast.
Step 3: Add Entries and Switch Views
Add one row per piece: a 19th-century Meissen cup and saucer, a Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica plate, a Herend Rothschild bird figurine. Fill every field you can. Then click + Add a view and choose Gallery to see photos later, or Board grouped by Condition to spot pieces needing restoration.
Tips for Porcelain Buyers
Use Filter to show only items where Authenticated is unchecked, so you remember to verify marks. Use Sort by Current Value descending to see your most valuable pieces first. Add a Formula property called “Gain” with prop(“Current Value”) – prop(“Price Paid”) to track appreciation. Link each row to a separate “Vendors” database for auction houses and antique dealers, then use a Relation property to record where you bought each piece. Finally, duplicate the template before you start buying so your structure stays consistent.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this database for buying porcelain rather than just collecting?
A: Yes—add a “Want List” checkbox and a “Max Bid” number property, then filter to show only unchecked items when you shop.
Q: How do I record maker’s marks and backstamps?
A: Create a Text property called “Marks” and type a short description, such as “crossed swords, blue underglaze” or “green crown, impressed.”
Q: Is a Notion database enough to authenticate porcelain?
A: No—it only organizes your research. Always confirm marks against a printed porcelain buying guide or a professional appraiser before relying on a value.
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