Process of
identifying Chinese porcelain ...
Before the last Chinese dynasty ended the expression of crafts and arts followed mostly tradition and was limited to some degree by imperial guidelines and other factors. One of the latter were possibly the methods with which arts and crafts were taught in Far Eastern societies in ancient times, not allowing for free expression and creativity. Apprentices would rather be copying the works of their master or others rather than creating their own works.
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Only from the republic period onwards, after the old ways declined,
artistic expression became possible, and shapes and decorations slowly
became more variegated. A major cause of this was possibly the
increased exposure to foreign cultures. |
Identifying
Chinese porcelain involves more than just knowing the mark in order to decide age and manufacturer, as many novices do believe. See a comparison of Chinese and non-Chinese marks. The identification and authentication of Chinese porcelain is a complex process of an overall verification of a number of factors. All experienced collectors know that with Chinese porcelain the mark is the last to be looked at. |
Identifying Chinese porcelain items, including evaluation of age and/or manufacturing period, always involves, among other, shape, decoration
and other reference points. These are important for further evaluation, once an item is established
a genuine antique.
The overall evaluation takes into
account the following points:
Shapes
Since porcelain was first produced, assumedly in the Song dynasty, its
forms were limited to certain shapes. Although shapes may have had some
minor variations during different dynasties or reigns, deviations
within a single reign or dynasty were usually relatively limited. This
is one of the factors which helps us identify Chinese porcelain.
The shapes usually remained more or less the same with
kitchen or table wares due to their utilitarian purpose and association
with our eating and drinking habits.
Decorative items
like vases, jars and ceramic containers of all sizes and forms were
more subjected to change.
When visually identifying Chinese porcelain, the Shape is the first thing meeting the eye. A short glance over a vase or jar, for example, often allows an expert of Chinese ceramics to assert or discard the possibility of a Chinese object being antique.
Some shapes
or curves, like those found in Japanese Sake jars
or tea cups, are rare or non-existent among Chinese ceramics
of old, yet they can be found on modern fakes. |
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Colors
If the shape passes this first step of inspection, the expert will most
likely do a short evaluation of the decoration's color(s). Here again,
certain colors (pigments) or combinations of these were not available in
earlier times, or were out of supply at times, due to trading prohibitions during
certain periods. Therefore, the presence of a color or colors that will
not fit a specific period of production, will result in an item being
classified as a later reproduction or fake.
The
very earliest porcelain decorations of porcelain were made
in blue on white ground. But, even the blue color tone
differed depending on whether the blue dye was imported, sourced
domestically, or was a mix of both. As imports weren't available at all
times, this color itself may also help identification of Chinese
antiques. See antique
china categories for color information according to
decoration type.
Decoration
If the item passes color inspection, then the decoration will
probably be scanned for any signs of acceptable or unacceptable styles
or patterns. Different painting styles may also give some era-specific
hints.
Foot
Looking at the bottom of an item provides the most relevant indications
in view to age and/or approximate time of production. The production
process was subject to a continuous improvement over the centuries. The
presence or absence of signs or features pointing to certain techniques
can be an important means to clarify authenticity of porcelain.
Glaze
The
glaze provides some hints as to the age, as it was different and
evolving over time, and may have been subjected to elements (soil, sea,
air).
Clay
As
with the glaze the clay/slip was gradually refined and in the 18th
century its quality was at the peak. However, it declined somewhat
after that. Some defects therefore may not show in porcelain of the
18th century.
Age signs
Finally, the whole item is checked for
the appropriate age signs. Here again, some points involving the
techniques (e.g. kiln firing, etc.) developed over time can be included
in the overall evaluation when identifying Chinese porcelain.
Mark |
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