A lot ofantique Chinese porcelain has marks on the bottom of it. Both auctioneers and collectors judge the antique porcelain's value based on these marks.
Here are a few facts to help you understand what the marks are and how they worked.
What Is the Mark on Chinese Porcelain?
In the past, the mark on the bottom of the porcelain was its manufacturing certification. The mark on antique Chinese porcelain normally denoted the dynasty and the reigning title of the emperor for whom the item was made.
Nowadays, many producers print their brand or some well-wishing words on the bottom of the porcelain pieces, such as '福' (Fu, which literally means 'good fortune').
Where Are the Marks?
The marks were mostly printed on the bottom of a porcelain vessel in a vertical arrangement. A fraction of them would also be printed on the base or the mouth of a vessel in a horizontal line.
When Were the Marks First Used?
Modern-day's mark on Chinese porcelainReign marks were first added to the bottom of porcelain in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Potters printed the reign marks on the bottom as a way to protect and spread their brand.
Most emperors since the Ming Dynasty thought that porcelain with their reign marks would represent them and be a way for later generations to remember them.
Special Marks During the Reign of Emperor Kangxi
During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, there was a special period during which porcelain marks were not adopted.
Chinese stampThe bottoms of most items of porcelain were marked with symbols and characters relating to the reigning era. However, Emperor Kangxi believed that if porcelain items with his reign mark were smashed or discarded, it would be an unfortunate sign for him.
In the last years of his reign, most of the porcelain that came from the kilns had two concentric circles on the bottom. Among them was different emblazonry, which represented different producers.
How to Read the Marks?
Enamel paited porcelain made in Qing's Emperor Qianlong's reign.According to the ancient Chinese tradition of writing and reading, the marks on the bottom of a porcelain vessel are usually read from top to bottom, and from right to left. Marks written horizontally are read from right to left.
General Characteristics of Marks on Chinese Porcelain
Most of the reign marks comprised four or six characters. The characters' style would vary in different periods.
Normally, the first two words indicated the dynasty or emperor's title.
How to Identify the Marks?
Authentic antique Chinese porcelain has always been chased by enthusiasts. The record price for a piece of antique china is $84,000,000.
However, estimating the value of genuine porcelain accurately has never been easy. To learn how to estimate the value of the porcelain from its reign marks, extensive studies and comparisons between genuine examples are needed.
Things That Need to Be Remembered
There are many fakes, andlater copies have apocryphal marks. To tell the genuine ones from the copies has never been easy. Abundant experience and knowledge of the porcelain and its history are needed.
If you try to purchase a pieceas a collection item, it's better to getan evaluation from the experts.
Porcelain Tours
Experience Chinese porcelain culture with China Highlights.Tour the 'Porcelain Capital', Jingdezhen: Jingdezhen Ceramics Museum is the first of its kind — the most important systematic and holistic exhibition of 2,000 years of glorious achievements in Chinese ceramics.
Recommended porcelain museums for more information:
- The Palace Museum: It is also known as the Forbidden City. It was built in the Ming Dynasty era and is the world's largest and best-preserved palace complex. Lots of imperial porcelain is housed in the Palace Museum.
- Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum is famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. The museum has over 120,000 precious historical relics including Chinese ceramics.