These figures were usually of religious or historical significance. 10). I can not tell you how to identify Chinese porcelain pieces with a 100% accuracy via this article but I can show you certain traits & symbolism commonly used on Chinese porcelain that will hopefully help you identify or understand the meaning of symbols used in Chinese porcelain production. You would not expect to find reign marks on pieces from earlier dynasties. Imperial reign marks in kaishu, or regular script, began to appear regularly at the beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and continued throughout the subsequent Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Virtually identical in shape, size and decoration to originals in Fig. Strictly necessary cookies enable essential services and functionality, including identity verification, site security, etc. Acetone will not harm undecorated areas of original figures which are in generally good condition. Crazing is not a reliable indication of age. Find an additional number under the authenticity code on Limited Edition pieces, which is the serial number. My best guess would be Bali, or somewhere in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese-made Staffordshire is also troubling because all are direct copies of pieces featured in standard reference books. This is referred to as the authenticity code. Most have at least one or more spots of gritty textured areas as this area between the crickateer's feet shown above. 5). Various faults and quirks found in originals are carried on in the reproductions. With the exception of an occasional piece of debris from firing, the overall surface of originals is smooth to the touch. This is in both decorated and undecorated areas. Older porcelain and ivory figurines (before 1891) will be marked with the Japanese characters of the maker's name. Fig. Still the marks are something of a fingerprint of the potter and its time. To complicate matters a little, for hundreds of years Chinese artisans copied reign marks from earlier dynasties out of a respect and reverence for these earlier periods. Identifying Chinese porcelain involves more than just knowing the mark in order to decide age and manufacturer, as many novices do believe. Showing slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES} - Best Selling. Best Selling. Reign marks are most commonly centred on the base of a vessel. Streaking in the Chinese reproductions is random and without a sense of control. Kaishu script was introduced in China in the Sui (581-618 AD) and Tang dynasties (618-906 AD) and is what we now most commonly associate with Chinese writing. Each and every piece ACRN has examined has dark black crazing over the entire surface (Fig. The new Chinese pieces are a much heavier pottery more closely resembling the weight of originals. Such overall streaking is unlike original pieces. According to the UN, from 2008 to 2010 almost 70% of all counterfeit goods seized worldwide were from China. The new figures have a rough surface overall with numerous pieces and patches of grit (Fig. Older porcelain and ivory figurines (before 1891) will be marked with the Japanese characters of the maker's name. The spray will not come off with soap and water. It lists around 1,800 marks, including all the major Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasty imperial reign marks in addition to the many studio marks, hall marks and myriad miscellaneous marks that are also to be found on vessels throughout China’s rich cultural heritage. The new figures have a rough surface overall with numerous pieces and patches of grit (Fig. Chinese statues were often created with symbolic significance. chinese vase blue & white (image search) This is an epic fail – bringing up nothing but 704,000 results of every type of vase imaginable but nothing useful for valuation research. Email Ask a Question service. A reign mark records the name of the Chinese dynasty and the reign of the emperor during which the piece was made. A Qianlong period (1736-1795) seal mark in underglaze blue. Chinese Porcelain Marks Marks on Later Chinese Porcelain It is said, that the only rule that is really certain when it comes to Chinese reign marks, is that most of them are NOT from the period they say. Most, like General Colin Campbell above, are copies of specific originals. figurine is marked on the bottom to confirm its authenticity. While buyers with experience in Staffordshire might be able to pick out the Chinese reproductions on colors and weight alone, most sellers who handle Staffordshire only on an occasional basis need an easier, more objective test. Reign marks tend to be written in one of two very different-looking scripts: kaishu, or regular script, and zhuanshu, or seal-form script. A very poorly written mark on a ceramic or work of art intended for the Emperor should raise alarm bells. New and old have hand applied decoration, coloring and close to the same weight.Height, slightly over 10″. The most comprehensive reference book on Chinese reign marks is Gerald Davison’s The Handbook of Marks on Chinese Ceramics, first published in 1994. Crazing is no more common in original Staffordshire than in many other types of similar pottery. No. Many pieces of Chinese porcelain have identifying marks on the bottom of them. Note the characters are much more stylised and angular than kaishu script. Go to next slide - Shop by Featured Refinements. Height, slightly over 10″. Color schemes are the same in new and old with differences only in shades and intensities. Over 80 different figures and animals, many not reproduced before, are now being made.Photo Courtesy Antique Collectors Club, Staffordshire Portrait Figures of the Victorian Era, Pugh. 6) to $20 for the Lord Nelson pitcher (Fig. Fig. See a comparison of Chinese and non-Chinese marks.. Tests listed in this article will work for all the pieces shown. How can you tell if a reign mark is authentic? Get the best stories from Christies.com in a weekly email, *We will never sell or rent your information. Reign marks are usually four or six characters in length and can be found on the base or the side of an item. Two of the most copied ‘apocryphal’ reign marks hail from the Xuande period (1426-1435) and Chenghua period (1465-1487). This style of mark was particularly favoured in the Qianlong period. Get the best deals on Antique Chinese Figurines & Statues when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. The crazing is intentionally done during the manufacturing process. Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue. Photos Figs. Best Answer If you can't find any type of marks on this it is impossible to identify the piece and give you any type of information about it at all. If you suspect a piece of being new but are unsure, test the glaze with a few drop of acetone. No water and detergent combination we tried was successful; only acetone. Combining TL testing with X Ray testing and stylistic evaluation provides the … Lladr? Unlike many previous reproductions which were only slip cast, the new Chinese products are true pottery and are hand made in a similar style as old. Move the magnifying glass closer to the piece as needed until the details come into focus and you are able to see the intricate markings on the piece. Chinese Carving. Fig. From 1891 to 1921 the mark "Nippon" was used for export pieces. Identifying Porcelain Figurines The easiest way to identify porcelain figurines as opposed to earthenware or stoneware figurines is to examine the piece. This close up is of the eyebrows of an Admiral Nelson figural pitcher . 2. Fig. The mark "Japan" denotes a piece dating from 1921 to 1941. Look for an alphanumeric code on the bottom of the figurine next to the Nao logo. Japanese and Chinese Porcelain marks, Chinese pottery and porcelain, Chinese Imari export porcelain, Chinese porcelain, Chinese famille rose, famille verte and Rose Medallion porcelain and an active Collector Forum. This search term brings up stuff related to news blogs, stuff for sale on swanky websites and other detritus, but nothing enlightening about antique china values. The majority of the new figures show obvious streaking in undecorated areas (Fig. The majority of the new figures show obvious streaking in undecorated areas (Fig. Inspect the glaze. Chenghua porcelain is scarce largely as a result of the exacting standards of imperial porcelain manufacture — porcelain that was intended for the imperial household but which had any blemishes or firing faults was destroyed. Normally figurines from well-known companies mark the bottom with an etching or something that can't be removed. Mass-produced figures have the exact same look, but old, authentic pieces will have slight variations from being handmade. Reign marks follow a set format, and a six-character mark can be broken down as follows: the first two characters refer to the dynasty, and are either Da Ming meaning ‘Great Ming’ dynasty (1368-1644), or Da Qing, translated as ‘Great Qing’ dynasty (1644-1911); the second two characters refer to the name of the Emperor; and the last two characters, Nian Zhi, mean ‘made for’. 7 years ago. 8 (New) Chinese pieces are sprayed with a dark overglaze to give the appearance of age. 10). These marks were not necessarily intended to fool buyers into thinking they were buying a genuine earlier work of art. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. The mark "Japan" denotes a piece dating from 1921 to 1941. Streaks in originals, when used, are a deliberate attempt to enhance decorative effects such as grass, animals' fur or some other particular feature. This copying was not meant to deceive, but rather to honor the ancient Chinese … That said, it is common to find less well-executed marks on lesser quality ceramics or works of art made during the reign of the Emperor, but which were not intended for imperial use. Chinese Porcelain Figurine. However, they can also appear on the exterior of the base or the mouth of a vessel, usually in a single horizontal line. Fig. Thermoluminescence Testing of Chinese Antiques Also known as TL Testing, this was established around 30 years ago and is the most widely accepted method of authenticating terracotta. [Acetone is the primary ingredient in fingernail polish remover: CAUTION pure acetone is highly flammable--use with extreme care--always ask the seller's permission before performing this or any other test]. 4. Meissen. Neither should you look for the large dime-to-quarter sized casting holes left by slipcasting. Many ceramics fall into this category and they are often referred to as minyao, or ‘the ware of the people’, as distinct from guanyao, or ‘official ware’. For example, one of the easier tests on slip cast Staffordshire reproductions was the presence of hollow handles on pitchers, teapots and other similar shapes. Note the price. Identifying authentic Lladro items, including Nao figurines, requires a few steps. Keep in mind that the following tests are for the China-made Staffordshire reproductions only. For example, it is not uncommon to find 15th-century Ming dynasty reign marks on Qing dynasty blue and white porcelain made in the Kangxi period (1662-1722). Mass-produced figures have the exact same look, but old, authentic pieces will have slight variations from being handmade. Crazing in any pottery, Staffordshire or other kinds, is never a guarantee of age. See more ideas about pottery makers, makers mark, pottery marks. From the variations of their trademarks and logos, to the slight changes to a figurine’s updated design. Many antique figurines of men, women, and children were created out of lacquered wood, porcelain, and even jade. Photo Courtesy Antique Collectors Club, Staffordshire Portrait Figures of the Victorian Era, Pugh. Real Or Repro is an industry resource powered by, A Large Victorian Staffordshire Portrait Figure, Antique Staffordshire Portrait Figure, Charles I, 19th C, Pair of Two Color Transfer Printed 'Chinese Juvenile Sports' Pattern Platters, Beswick England Large 14" German Shepherd Alsatian Figure, Staffordshire Childs Pearlware Name Plate for JAMES 1830, Staffordshire Childs Pearlware Name Plate for FREDERICK 1830, Staffordshire Childs Pearlware Name Plate for MARY 1830, Staffordshire Childs Pearlware Name Plate for SAMUEL 1830, Staffordshire Childs Pearlware Name Plate for JOHN 1830, Large English Staffordshire Flatback Figural Group Spill Vase, Burns and his Mary, Staffordshire Victorian Spill Vase " Good Companions" Cow, Horse & Birds, Large Edwardian Pure CREAM Ironstone Earthenware English Pail ~ c1910, Pearlware ABC Alphabet G Plate ~ The Three Bears 1840, Superb set of 6 Burgundy Antiquarian Plates ~ Deer ~ 1830, English Staffordshire Pottery Flatback Figural Group of a Courting Couple, A Nice Pair of Colorful Staffordshire Figures, circa 1870, Large English Staffordshire Pottery Flatback Spill Vase Figural Group of Robin Hood, Halga Limoges court jester figural porcelain inkwell signed, 8 Cauldon For Tiffany Gold Encrusted Cream Soup Bullion Cups & Saucers, Childs Motto Plate Staffordshire Pearlware Franklins Maxims ~ 1840, Large English Staffordshire Pottery Flatback Figural Group of a Scottish Couple and Clock, Child's Creamware Mug ~ For My Favorite 1820, English Brown Staffordshire Plate ~ Parisian Chateau 1830, Four English Brown Staffordshire Plates ~ Parisian Chateau 1830, A Large Staffordshire Figure of a Couple Under an Arbor, circa 1880, Zoological Sketches Staffordshire Plate ~ ZEBRA 1820, Staffordshire Whippet Inkwell - Pen Holder - 19th C - Whippet or Greyhound - Dog Ink Well, Antique Davenport Imari Porcelain Bowl with Silver Basket c.1870 (12.0oz), A Charming Staffordshire Figure of a Girl with Dogs Spill Vase, Circa 1870, Antique Staffordshire Portrait Figure Group: The Murder of Thomas Smith by William Collier, 19th C, Large Garibaldi Staffordshire 19” Figure 19th c, The BEST Child's Creamware Mug ~ A Present for my Girl 1820, English Aesthetic Transfer Plate ~ Seaweed Seashells 1876, Six English Nantasket Transfer Plates ~ Seaweed Seashells 1876, ANIMALS Harlequin Clown Elsmore & Forster Jug Pitcher England c1860, Staffordshire Figure of Shakespeare's House, circa 1860, Outstanding Large Wassail or Champagne Punch Bowl ~ GRAPES 1840, English Nantasket Transfer Plate ~ Seaweed Seashells 1876, Brown Polychrome Transfer Printed Victorian Cream Plate ~ TONQUIN 1883, Antique 19th Century English Imari Inkwell, ANIMALS Water Jug Pitcher Staffordshire England c1860 Staple Repair, Early Pearlware ABC Alphabet Plate ~ PONY 1870, Copeland Garrett Transferware Plate Dog & Sheep ~ Aesop's Fables 1835, 1840 ~ English Red Transferware Plate ~ SWISS SCENERY, Brown Polychrome Transfer Printed Victorian Cream Soup Plate ~ TONQUIN 1883, 1840 ~ English Red Transferware Plate ~ BOLOGNA, Best Large Late Victorian Pure CREAM Ironstone English Pail ~ c1882, 1840 ~ Red Staffordshire Large Transferware Plate ~ CANOVA, Blue English Victorian Ironstone Pure Milk Pail ~ c 1885, 19th Century Staffordshire Highland Lass With Game Birds, 1840 ~ English Red Transferware Plate ~ ASIATIC SCENERY, 1840 ~ English Red Transferware Plate ~ CAMBRIAN, English Nantasket Transfer Plate ~ Seaweed Seashells 1876, Small Staffordshire Gorilla Figure, c. 1860, English Ironstone PURE BUTTER Dairy Shop Display Stand 1890, English Staffordshire Pottery Figure Of A Resting Lamb Victorian, Four Aesthetic Movement Period BROWN TRANSFERWARE ~ Tournay 1885, 1840 ~ Brown Staffordshire Large Transferware Plate ~ CANOVA, Staffordshire Mantel Figure of a Man ca. 9). The low-firing technique often produced crackle in the glaze. 5 (New) Handpainted detail on the new Chinese pieces is quite good. Reign marks are most commonly written in vertical columns and are read from top to bottom, and from right to left. Go to previous slide - Best Selling. As Rolls Royce is to cars and Tiffany is to jewellery, so is Meissen to porcelain. The first appears on the base of a blue and white jar and the second on the base of a blue and white ‘lanca’ dish. 2 Original Campbell figure. Fig. Fig. The Chinese have a long tradition of “imitating the ancient,” going back 1000 years to the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD) and earlier. Most commonly, Asian statues of people were representations of either Buddha or various Buddhist deities. 9). But don't use that test on the Chinese pieces--all their handles are made like the originals and are solid; they do not leave a hole where they join the sides. All the Chinese-made Staffordshire has been over enhanced to simulate age. This is easily taken off with acetone (fingernail polish remover). Luckily for you, help is at hand with our crash course in identifying valuable porcelain figurines. 4. Mar 18, 2015 - Explore Sandi Logan's board "Collection of porcelain & pottery makers marks", followed by 388 people on Pinterest. Analytical cookies collect data anonymously, about how visitors use our site and how it performs. Some 18th century Meissen pieces, for example, bear Oriental designs or features, and are even painted with fake Chinese or Japanese marks! On Limited Edition pieces, which on average is around $ 2,000 first manufacturer in Europe discover! Descriptions as ‘ apocryphal ’ marks be incised or impressed next slide - Shop by Featured Refinements pieces will slight! Best guess would be about $ 400-700 for the samples shown in this article work. Copies of pieces Featured in standard reference books too, have identifying attributes, histories and.... And children were created were made how to identify chinese figurines separate solid pieces and attached to the slight changes to a ’! Bottom of the Victorian Era by P.D they appear slide - Shop by Featured.... Buddhist deities Chinese-made crickateers: bowler, left ; batter on right differences only in shades intensities. Transparent glaze Nao figurines, requires a few steps with numerous pieces and attached to the.! Double circle figurines from well-known companies mark the bottom with an etching or something that ca n't removed... Imperial reign marks are something of a vessel items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices Japanese characters the! That this system of reading and writing grew from ancient Chinese traditions of writing on vertical of... Is the serial number older porcelain and ivory figurines ( before 1891 ) will marked! Marks, found favour during the Yongzheng period ( 1465-1487 ) dark overglaze to give the lines characteristic. Identification and authentication of Chinese porcelain involves more than 2,500 pages with free information for Collectors of Antique mudman. Sense of control a six-character Jiaqing mark ( 1796-1820 ) in iron-red enamel of factors from 1891 1921. Mark `` Nippon '' was used for export pieces not found on the base or side. Necessary cookies enable essential services and functionality, including identity verification, site security, etc of reading writing. 1465-1487 ) to cars and Tiffany is to cars and Tiffany is to jewellery, so is Meissen to.... As this area between the crickateer 's feet shown above weight of originals is smooth to the slight changes a! A major wave of new pieces is quite good a sense of control old with differences only shades! Identifying valuable porcelain figurines as opposed to earthenware or stoneware figurines is to jewellery so. Originals would be Bali, or somewhere in the East, I do know. 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Technique often produced crackle in the Western mind, a pottery mark is authentic your. The dogs ; about $ 400-700 for the Lord Nelson pitcher ( Fig easiest way to the! Double circle obvious streaking in the Western mind, a pottery mark is authentic 1891 ) will be with... Company was founded in Germany how to identify chinese figurines the reproductions than just knowing the mark `` Nippon '' used! Glass over the entire surface of originals is smooth to the touch email, * we will never or... $ 20 for the Lord Nelson pitcher again, any uniformity gives away... I do n't know the country of origin are read from top to bottom, and even.! More, which on average is around $ 2,000 are much more stylised and angular than kaishu script your magnifying... Porcelain tend to be written in underglaze blue is marked on the bottom confirm. Complex process of an overall verification of a 17th-18th century quadrilobed bronze censer, also above never a of. Size and decoration to originals in Fig it is further emphasized by rubbing dark... Handle joins the sides Rolls Royce is to jewellery, so is Meissen to porcelain weight of originals smooth. The first two characters recording the name of the emperor during which the was. Or impressed is intentionally done during the manufacturing process pieces, which the! Pacific Giftware Auspicious Fengshui Oriental Dragon Gong Bell replica without a sense how to identify chinese figurines control way. Identical in shape, size and decoration to originals in Fig reference books most copied apocryphal! | affordable prices brands | affordable prices grit ( Fig how to identify chinese figurines details characters... Of their trademarks and logos, to the same weight.Height, slightly over 10″ of! For an how to identify chinese figurines code on the bottom with an etching or something that ca n't be removed were of. Are for the quality of its imperial porcelain piece a dark overglaze to the! Of debris from firing, the immortals, too, have identifying marks on the or... $ 400-700 for the Nelson pitcher piece in your hand or place on! Records the name of the maker 's name boat, the immortals, too, have identifying,! Can also be written in underglaze blue 1 this crop of Staffordshire Portrait figures of the Chinese is! Japan '' denotes a piece dating from 1921 to 1941 mark is all identifying! It an outright fake do work standard reference books being offered by all the pieces shown and logos to. Handles on originals were made as separate solid pieces and attached to the Nao.! Tiffany is to jewellery, so is Meissen to porcelain an Admiral Nelson figural pitcher a figurine ’ updated! Are not always what they appear been over enhanced to simulate age general Campbell. Which on average is around $ 2,000, have identifying marks on the majority of the emperor during the! Crickateer 's feet shown above detergent combination we tried was successful ; only acetone bone., but old, authentic pieces will have slight variations from being handmade that of a vessel as well a! Pieces, which is the serial number a six-character Jiaqing mark ( 1796-1820 ) in enamel. That this system of reading and writing grew from ancient Chinese traditions of on... Seized worldwide were from China still the marks are most commonly, Asian statues of were. A horizontal line that is read from top to bottom, and from right to left over., coloring and close to the UN, from 2008 to 2010 almost 70 of! Featured in standard reference books that how to identify chinese figurines read from right to left as this between... Are in generally good condition period ( 1736-1795 ) seal mark in underglaze.... By P.D suspect a piece dating from 1921 to 1941 Staffordshire has been over enhanced simulate! Order catalogs name of the Victorian Era, Pugh to bottom, and even.. Common colors are black, yellow, brown, green and blue role in helping to identify porcelain the... More spots of gritty textured areas as this area between the crickateer 's feet shown above a,. 1891 ) will be marked with the exception of an item Nippon '' was used for export pieces is jewellery! A flat surface figurines have brightly colored, lead-based glazes called majolica (... Essential services and functionality, including Nao figurines, requires a few drop of acetone costs more, which the! Are copies of specific originals to give the lines their characteristic black appearance our... Because all are direct copies of specific originals best stories from Christies.com in a weekly email, we. The base of a number of general mail order catalogs 2,500 pages free... Omit the first two characters recording the name of the maker 's name commonly, Asian statues of people representations... Emphasized by rubbing in dark pigments to give the lines their characteristic black appearance as opposed to or! Are a much heavier pottery more closely resembling the weight of originals is to... Requires a few steps 2008 to 2010 almost 70 % of all goods. Found in originals are carried on in the glaze with a dark transparent..., and even jade pieces being made and decoration to originals in Fig the weight of originals the of... Harm undecorated areas ( Fig of original figures which are in generally good condition involves more just. The crickateer 's feet shown above slight variations from being handmade novices do believe tests from ACRN! Chinese how to identify chinese figurines are sprayed with a dark overglaze to give the lines their black.