As a quick side note I collect Korean and Japanese ceramics. Some I would consider to be obvious art objects, others utilitarian objects.
My favorite piece is a fairly nondescript Korean blue and white jar, about fist size. No large value but the feel of the glaze is unusual. I like to handle it because it feels right. I have it on my desk and find myself handling it when I am deep in thought. It was made for a utilitarian purpose but I consider it a piece of extraordinary art. I've never run across a similar piece.