Collecting antique Chinese bowls can be both a rewarding and valuable pursuit, especially when you understand what to look for. Some of the best and most sought-after types of antique Chinese bowls include pieces from specific dynasties, kiln types, and decorative styles. Here’s a breakdown of the most desirable categories:
Top Antique Chinese Bowls to Collect
1. Song Dynasty (960–1279) Bowls
- Famous Kilns: Ru, Jun, Guan, Ding, and Ge
- Why They’re Valuable:
- Simple, elegant forms with refined glazes (e.g., celadon, sky blue, crackle glaze)
- Subtle beauty and masterful craftsmanship
- Ru ware is exceptionally rare and can fetch millions at auction
2. Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) Porcelain Bowls
- Blue and White Porcelain (especially Xuande and Chenghua periods)
- Doucai and Wucai Bowls (multicolor enamel work)
- Why They’re Valuable:
- Bright, detailed cobalt blue decoration under a clear glaze
- Chenghua “chicken cup” bowls are legendary and incredibly rare
3. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) Imperial Bowls
- Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong Periods
- Famille Verte (green), Famille Rose (pink), and Famille Jaune (yellow)
- Why They’re Valuable:
- Technically advanced and richly decorated
- Qianlong-era pieces often have imperial marks and exceptional quality
4. Tang and Han Dynasty Earthenware (206 BCE – 907 CE)
- Sancai (Three Color Glaze) Tang bowls
- Why They’re Valuable:
- Very early and represent the roots of Chinese ceramic artistry
- Often used in burial or ceremonial contexts
5. Transitional Period Porcelain (late Ming to early Qing, ca. 1620–1683)
- Often blue and white with looser, more narrative scenes
- Gained popularity with collectors for their dynamic, painterly designs
Key Features to Evaluate
- Reign Marks: Often found on the base; beware of fakes—many later pieces imitate earlier marks.
- Glaze and Decoration: Consistency, color quality, and technique tell a lot about authenticity.
- Provenance: Bowls with well-documented history are more valuable and trusted.
- Condition: Chips, cracks, or restoration can heavily affect value.
Watch Out For
- Reproductions: Especially from the 20th century (Republic period and later). Some are very convincing.
- Fake Reign Marks: Many Qing pieces bear Ming marks to increase perceived value.
Mid-19th-century Chinese bowls—roughly from the 1840s–1870s—with real-world sale prices and estimates:
1. Canton “Export” Gilded Porcelain Bowl (~1860)
- Featured on PBS Antiques Roadshow from the Port of Canton, decorated with gold leaf.
- Noted as “substantially more than $125” on the show 1stDibs+15PBS+15Architectural Digest+15larkmasonartadvisory.com.
- These often trade for $200–$500+ depending on condition and detail.
Famille Rose Rose‑Medallion Export Bowl (Late 19th Century)
- 1stDibs lists 19th-century Chinese porcelain bowls ranging from $80 to a whopping $83,755; average around $2,036 eBay+10Marks4Antiques+10the-saleroom.com+101stDibs+11stDibs+1.
- Mid‑19th-century rose-medallion styles typically sell for $300–$1,500 at auctions.
Mid‑19th‑Century Bencharong Bowl (ca.1850–1870)
- Sold at Toovey’s (UK) June 2024; decorated in polychrome deity motifs with metal-rim mounting.
- Auction price not listed, but similar high-quality Bencharong bowls often fetch £200–£600 (AUD $350–$1,200) Financial Times+3Capsule Auctions+3eBay+3the-saleroom.com.
Large Chinese Export Rose Medallion Bowl
- On Capsule Auctions with an estimate of $1,000–$1,500 eBay+10Capsule Auctions+10eBay+10.
Mid‑19th‑Century Coral‑Red Famille Rose Bowl
- Listed on eBay: $3,699 (or offer) for a coral-red famille rose bowl carters.com.au+15eBay+15Etsy+15.
- More modest examples are offered for $200–$800 online.
Summary of Price Ranges
| Bowl Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Canton export gilt bowl (~1860) | $200–$500+ |
| Famille Rose export bowls | $300–$1,500 |
| High-end fam. rose (rare styles) | Up to $3,700+ |
| Large Rose Medallion bowl (auction) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Bencharong polychrome bowl (UK auction) | ~£200–£600 (~AUD $350–$1,200) |