UNDERSTANDING CHINESE ANTIQUES By marks4antiques.com
A Chinese FAMILLE ROSE Antique Porcelain Lantern with hexagonal shade with reticulated panels - ca late 19thC
Identifying Chinese antiques requires a two-pronged approach. First, you must examine the marks, if any, to give you a sense of style or represented period. Secondly, it is important to determine its true age. Unlike most European or American antiques, maker’s marks on Porcelain do not have the same meaning as on Chinese antiques. For example, Western antiques are marked with a factory logo or the artist’s monogram, whereas the Chinese almost always signed their pieces with a four or six Kanji characters Dynasty “seal” mark that reveals the Emperor whose period this item represents, either in style or in actual time of manufacture. In particular, the vast majority of Chinese artifacts for sale in various antiques fairs or shows are modern reproductions that have been recently imported from various countries of the Far East, most frequently from China. Although marks on these pieces look almost identical to authentic older Dynasty symbols, they are meant to indicate the period for which these were made after and in many cases – let’s not hide around the bush on this – are meant to deceive. Because of US Tariff Laws, these newer imports should also have a Country or Origin notation, usually in the form of a sticker or label, which unfortunately and usually deliberately is removed prior to sale. Typical Chinese Decorative or Utilitarian items that are nowadays reproduced in the millions
When it comes to Chinese Porcelain, there is no denying that it is of the highest quality. The Chinese literally invented white translucent Porcelain since the 1stC BC. In contrast, Europeans re-invented this coveted secret formula some 1600 years later. So the tradition alone of Chinese Porcelain making should cause one to wonder in awe and A 19thC Pair of Antique Porcelain Chinese FAMILLE VERTE Foo-Dogs or Shi Lions in the Buddhist tradition
appreciate it for its heritage. Therefore, if you are looking for a decorative style that matches the elegance of the Orientale and you are not concerned with its age – and consequently its value – then you should go with what tickles your fancy as opposed to laboring over the hidden “story” of each piece.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT – (a) A Chinese FAMILLE VERTE Baluster Porcelain Lidded Jar Chinese - ca 20thC, (b) A Chinese BLUE GROUND Porcelain Vase - ca 19thC, and (c) A typical Chinese Blue & White Lidded Jar depicting a Wish in script - most are newer reproductions
For those concerned with the worth and age of these items, it is notable to consider that although porcelain was produced in China for practically 2,000 years already, there are two distinct periods during which there was a prolific and state-sanctioned massive output of the most revered of Chinese antiques. These periods are concurrent with the Dynasties of Ming (1367 – 1644) and Qing (1616 – 1911), each of which includes several emperors from the same family that reigned China and who encouraged the Arts with generous funds and support. Members of our services can check for all these marks and compare to determine each period using our Ceramics marks guides.
Chinese antique Silver or objets d’art of Precious Metals are practically nonexistent. This stems from a traditional cultural belief that Precious Metals are the property of the deities and therefore should not be disturbed. The only rare cases of Sterling Silver being used on some items is in the form of Ceremonial or Religious ornaments, where their use was generally accepted. In most such cases, Sterling Silver or similar metals are usually in small quantities and the balance is dominated by Enameled panels or An Antique Chinese Silver Bangle Bracelet with intricate carvings of Jade or carved Jadeite Buddha ornaments and translucent Jadeite. Most of these are not Enameling - mid-19thC marked and authentic antique Chinese Silver or Jewelry is extremely rare. There is one exception. Before its recent reunification with mainland China, Hong Kong was a Western commercial oasis, mostly influenced by the British who had expatriated there in droves ca mid19thC. This lead to a rise in Sterling Silver and Jewelry production practiced primarily by these new residents and slowly adopted by many a local silversmith, first as apprentices and then as small factories or luxury retailers. This activity was echoed in some unique parts of mainland China, most Antique Chinese Jade frequently near or within a major cosmopolitan Pendant with Silver region, for example Shanghai and Peking, but to a Mounts featuring seated much lesser extent. Unlike the Ceremonial type Buddha described above, these antique silver Chinese artifacts are marked consistently, usually with Kanji characters and at times with Latin letters. Many of these Chinese Silver marks and although not officially registered, have been documented in many reference resources, including our Silver marks guides. Antique Chinese Glass is mostly in the form of opaque utilitarian items, such as Snuff Bottles or small Vessels. These are adorned with overlays in bright contrasting colors and intricately detailed designs of Folklore-inspired
themes. Very few are signed and their age is determined by knowing the history of each piece (provenance) or by examining for specific elements revealing manufacturing techniques used in older times, although many of these can be imitated by modern craftsmen, even at an industrial setting.
Two Antique Chinese Glass Snuff Bottles - ca 19thC
Antique Chinese Crystal is curiously and loudly missing. It appears that clear glass or crystal production was first invented in crude form by ancient Europeans – it is melted and crystalized sand (quartz) after all – but the truly and utterly through-nthrough transparent and thus far elusive thick and durable clear crystal had to wait for a unique spark of American ingenuity in the form of mixing the right ingredients in the mid-to-late 19thC. Chinese glass makers simply did not enter this arena until very recently.
However, Furniture and Textiles are another story. Unique and very fine Rosewood antique Chinese furniture are nowadays extremely valuable and command high prices at auction. Similarly, well-preserved Textiles are also very desirable with collectors, mostly because of their vivid colors and intricate designs and of course their weaving technique. Some antique Chinese furniture are beautifully enhanced with vibrant and story-telling cloth panels, but can also stand alone in their unusual interpretation of space and architectural style, practically unique and eerily foreign to a Western eye. Usually made of low profile since they were meant to be used nearer the floor, these treasures reveal a true adherence to Chinese opulence and are meant to be statements of A Chinese Antique Rosewood Partners Desk - ca late 18thC wealth and open display in one’s home.
Interestingly, antique Chinese Textiles were so appealing that Dutch explorers of the 16thC often brought back samples to be used as inspiration to many designers in the Decorative Arts, including in the production of Ceramics, and of course Tapestries and Clothing. These Europeanized versions became a fascinating collectible for many wealthy Westerners, even in France where the Oriental motif often interplayed and reared its stunningly exotic head in most stately or palatial houses of the noble class with a Salon. Brass or Bronze Chinese antiques are mostly in the form of Funeral Urns or Incense Burners and other ceremonial & religious objects. You do not encounter the free-flowing or liberal use of these metals as in the West, no
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT – (a) A Pair of Chinese Cast Reticulated & Chased Bronze Incense Burners ca 20thC, (b) An Antique Ming Dynasty Chinese Bronze Zodiacal Amulet with Animal symbols & Kanji Characters, and (c) Two late-19thC Chinese Bronze Ceremonial Urns
busts or fancy Models are anywhere to be admired. However, special Bronze Figurines of deities do exist in abundance or those representing Animal Figures of horses, lions etc that have a very relevant and esoteric meaning aligned closely to Chinese Folklore, which makes us believe that the same tradition is true as for Precious Metals explained previously. Additionally, some ornamental Weaponry has survived over the years as a special collectible with a sense of history and ardent reminders of the ancient patrilineal Clans that ruled the country in times past, sort-of the Western equivalent of Barons in China, strongly supported by and loyally supporting the Emperor at a high price for regional control. And of course one should not omit the omnipresent ancient Chinese Coinage in the form of interesting designs.
As for all types of antiques & collectibles, to research their worth, including when trying to figure out the authenticity or age of an item, one should compare examples that have sold at auction or elsewhere and arrive at a reasonable estimate. Our Antiques Pricing Guide contains millions of auction records with pictures and descriptions that can help in this endeavor.
About marks4antiques.com - Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary of service, marks4antiques.com is dedicated to providing the largest and most updated research tools to help its members identify and appraise antiques & collectibles. Registered members have access to comprehensive visual reference methods with thousands upon thousands of images of makers’ marks & hallmarks displayed in Shape or Letter Categories for fast access or can use the proprietary Name or Initials Search features. Also includes a huge database of millions of actual auction records and uses a ‘smart’ search that quickly deciphers key terms using advanced software technology to yield accurate and relevant results. The company is located in the San Francisco Bay area since 2004.
A late 19thC Antique Chinese SOAP-STONE Figurine of a Boy riding a Bull