Old base and new body? My Kangxi vase and age

by J.Lim
(Sydney, NSW)

Dear Peter
A second question from me. And I apologise for my awful camera skills.

Yesterday I bought a vase at an auction. The auction did not make any representations about the age of the vase at all, but I bought it anyway as I really like the paintwork. I assumed it was new because, as you see, the body is somewhat even in texture (although not dead shiny).
Newness indications on body:
-very even flat glaze, with a greyish cast and satiny texture but quite flat
- no rust spots or voids apart from one large dint near the bottom with a rust coloured interior
- very even cobalt with few bubbles or unevenness - no heap-and-piling


However, on inverting the vase I see the unmistakable signs of age. The mark is the empty double ring, which might indicate Kangxi or a later replica. I note the following signs of age (the photo is awful I know):
- the same satiny, greyish glaze as the body, fairly lumpy like the "mutton fat" effect
- crackles near the foot, some with rusty colour in them
- two mid sized rust spots and a couple of tiny ones
- several dints and voids in the glaze

I have several genuine 18th century pieces and these age signs look similar.

Maybe this is a 19th century replica of a Kangxi? (I doubt this is actual 18th century since the blue is so even). Or maybe this is an old base with a new body attached?

I have stared my eyes out and can see NO signs of a seam or other indication that the base was originally separate. Yet how can the one look old while the other is so smooth??

Thanks for your help!

Regards
J.Lim