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famille rose-medaillon rose

by p de bruin
(Amsterdam)

Dear Peter,

As aked I send you some foto's from the vase and an extra drawing of the mark.

I am very anxious for your answer.

Best regards
p de bruin

Comments for famille rose-medaillon rose

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ROSE MEDAILLON
by: Pieter

>What I don't understand why are people making marks
with caracters nobody can read.

Answer: three reasons
1. for decoration
2. to give an item a higher perceived value
3. to deceive those who are not aware of the realities of the porcelain trade.

>CAn you give me a solution how to find the people with the experience to translate the mark ?

That is difficlt even here, among Chinese, unless you happen to know someone. It requires a different expertise...
vase
by: peter

Hi Pieter,

We cannot read the mark. It is not a problem of the characters being unclear, but of the type of characters. Even a Chinese here cannot read it.
The characters are not normal Chinese, neither are they of the type that was used in porcelain marks before the 20th century. They resemble a different type of characters used more often on seals or Yixing wares. You need special experience with these to be able to read them. Not every Chinese can read them.

This said, thanks for the additional pictures. Yes, this is 20th century. From the colors used, the painting style and the way the faces look I would assume second or third quarter of 20th century.
The whiteness of the white glaze also points to post-Qing dynasty porcelain.

When you buy this type of porcelain, you should avoid the following, IF you are looking for antiques:

1. Hand painted antiques of this type they must have thick enamel. It is so thick that you can see the uneven surface clearly with the eyes. The one you have here looks smooth.
2. Usually, these ddecorations contain gilt. The older ones have an old, dull gilt with a dark or reddish tint.
3. Mostly there are no marks. If there are marks they should say "China", "Made in China" or have a circular mark, also in English. All are stamped red marks. Marks with Chinese characters are mostly later made items that are not antique.

Generally, the colors of antique rose medallions are stronger than those of yours, especially the green, and the enamel is very thick. The red color is less prominent.
Lots of people buy these vintage or more recently made famille rose items, thinking they are antique, I'm afraid.

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