Determining whether a Chinese porcelain piece is genuinely old (and how old) can be tricky due to the long history of production and the proliferation of high-quality reproductions. Here’s a guide to help you spot genuine age versus modern copies:
- Examine the Base
Foot rim: Older pieces (esp. pre-1800) often have a rough, unglazed foot rim, sometimes with grit or sand fused into it from kiln firing.
Glaze at the base:
Qing and earlier: Often not glazed on the base; look for signs of age wear and dirt in crevices.
Modern copies often have smooth, perfectly finished bases.
- Check for Age Signs
Natural wear:
Look for scratches, soft edges, and minor glaze dulling in expected places (rim, foot).
Patina from handling or being buried (especially with older burial wares).
Crazing: Can occur naturally but isn’t always present; not all old Chinese porcelain has crazing.
- Look at the Decoration
Brushwork quality:
Hand-painted decorations should show fluidity and confidence.
Hesitant or overly uniform brush strokes often suggest newer or mass-produced pieces.
Blue-and-white wares:
Ming Dynasty cobalt blue is often deep and slightly uneven.
Qing Dynasty blue tends to be more refined and stable.
Modern “antique-style” blue often looks too flat or vivid.
- Check the Mark — But Don’t Trust It Alone
Many old pieces don’t have a mark; others have reign marks that are apocryphal (i.e., not from the period indicated).
If it’s marked:
Research the mark using Gotheborg.com or a reputable database.
A piece with a Kangxi reign mark (1662–1722) might be from the period—or it might be a later Qing piece paying tribute to Kangxi.
- Firing and Glaze Characteristics
Imperfections are a good sign of age:
Kiln grit, small glaze bubbles, or firing cracks.
Slight warping or asymmetry can indicate hand production.
Modern fakes often strive for perfection, ironically making them easier to spot.
- Fluorescence Test (with UV Light)
Under UV light:
Old porcelain generally won’t fluoresce much.
Modern glues or paint touch-ups may glow brightly, exposing repairs or fakes.
Some newer glazes fluoresce bright white or greenish under UV.
- Heft and Sound
Tap test:
High-quality, older porcelain often gives a clear, bell-like ring.
Newer, lower-fired or repaired items may sound dull.
Weight: Older porcelain can be lighter and more refined than thicker modern copies.
- Context & Provenance
Provenance helps: Old collections, estate sales, and inherited family pieces often come with a history.
If buying from a dealer, ask:
Where the piece came from
If there’s any documentation or past appraisal
🚩 Red Flags of Modern Fakes
Perfect symmetry and overly bright colors
Artificial dirt or tea staining in cracks
Base says “CHINA” or “Made in China” — post-1891 export markings
Looks “aged” but with no real wear
Suspiciously low price for a supposedly rare dynasty piece
