By Teresa Simon
Blue Gold Porcelain Pitcher |
Collecting Porcelain is a refined art. Identifying a genuine piece and knowing
what to cherish are aspects best guided by a modest knowledge of some special
marks and marker’s techniques.
How do you tell whether your hand-held
piece is a genuine find of porcelain?
The primary rule says: A piece of dainty
porcelain should always be approached with confidence. The impression to be
given at all times should be that you are aware of the priceless piece that you
handle. The next step then is to determine the age of the piece and to make
sure its true worth. Turn to the bottom of the piece and look for the telltale
‘mark’. There are approximately 1500 odd ceramic (pottery & porcelain) marks
that one can look for on porcelain! And to remember or even to make out one
from the next is a Herculean task unless you are a keen observer with a
computer memory!!
Blue & White Porcelain Flat Vase |
However, many collectors
generally rely upon such marks, Jerry Patterson in his book, “Porcelain”, says
that the absence of a mark or the irregularity of a mark does not necessarily
lessen the value of the piece. Chelsea porcelain, like Derby (1748-1784) with
its concentration on figures and ornamentals, was marked with a carved
triangle. Later periods are also known by their marks: the 'raised anchor' from
1749 to 1752, the 'red anchor' from 1752 to 1756 and the gold anchor from 1756
to 1769.
Chinese Perfume Bottle Blue &White Porcelain - China Kangxi(1662-1722) |
Chinese Qianlong Period Rockefeller Export Famille Rose Porcelain Plate (made around 1790) |
Often a black light is used to
authenticate the antique value of the piece. Its ultraviolet rays make it
possible to view that characteristic of an artefact that is invisible to the
naked eye. It can be used to determine whether a painted object is an antique
or a newer reproduction as well as to determine whether a piece has been
"touched up" and if so, how extensive was the repair. Old finish will
not glow under a black light, while the newer material in the repair will.
Generally, hard paste porcelain will fluoresce a deep blue or purple colour,
while soft paste will fluoresce white.
Quick
Tips:
·
The British royal family has been well
represented, with Britain producing more royal commemorative souvenirs – an
all-time favourite with collectors of porcelain.
British Royal Wocaster Bird Jug - Ewer1 Royal Worcester Porcelain |
·
Among the earliest commemorative souvenirs to be
produced were blue and white chargers (large flat dishes) that were made in the
17th and early 18th centuries. Decorated with simple looking, or what is
referred to as 'naïve' portraits, these were hand painted and made in small
numbers, and are now worth several thousand pounds.
An Antique Blue and White Porcelain Teapot Dated-1890 |
·
With the advent of transfer printing, souvenirs
could be produced cheaply, quickly and in greater numbers. In 1981, 15,000
differently designed ceramics were made for the wedding of Prince Charles and
the Princess of Wales.
Royal Wedding Image: courtesy www.goantiques.com |
·
The trick, however, is to look for unusual
events or anomalies, which are the exception rather than the rule, for example,
the coronation mug for Edward VII.
Early 18th Century Tin Glazed Earthenware Plate with Figures in a Garden Decoration. |
·
Always try to buy pieces that are in good or
preferably pristine condition, as quality, condition and rarity will influence
the value of the item.
Exceptionally Well Preserved, Large, Genuine 18th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Blue and White (Ming Style) Porcelain Vase. Perfect for a Floral or Foliage Display! |
·
To test whether the piece has been restored, tap
or 'ping' it and listen for a clear, bright sound.
·
Visit
your local library. Many objects have maker's marks, which are a primary source
of information, so books on English pottery, porcelain and silver, for example,
will be immediately helpful.
Various Marks |
·
Knowledge of your subject will be invaluable,
and can be assembled by visiting museums with commemorative collections and by
attending auction views.
Info & Photographs: Courtesy World Wide
Web
I have a very similar vase to the 18 qcentury Qing blue and white (Ming style)
ReplyDeleteAny idea of the value?