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Chinese Vase Marking

by Paul
(York UK)

Large Chinese Vase Markings

Large Chinese Vase Markings

Does anybody know what this mark represents. It is on the bottom of my large Chinese vase. Thanks

Comments for Chinese Vase Marking

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Sep 28, 2012
 mark
by: peter

Hi Deb,
I happen to read, speak and write Chinese. Unfortunately, what you are expressing is what we frequently see in such forums. People who don't sufficiently know Chinese antiques, Chinese writing or marks think there are unlimited variations. This mostly proves that they didn't do their school work.
With each reign of the Qing dynasty the types of marks that were used are known. Sometimes the variations are in the hundreds, even more...but they are not "unlimited". The color tone of blue and red as well as the character type used (style of character), whether the marks were stamped or hand drawn ones, etc. is also known.
Rubber stamp marks, for example, were only available used from a certain reign, for example, before rubber did not exist in China before that. The list goes on and on, and the requirements are different for every reign.
With the current mark it certainly is a stamp. And, it is of a type that was not in use at the time in the 18th century, which this mark claims to be from. That means it is not a period mark but added on later porcelain. It is apocryphal. It is also very improbable that this type of stamped mark was used in the 19th century, because those stamped marks used then were of a different type too. So, we can only conclude this to be a later mark. When you learn about Chinese porcelain you need to learn about marks, fake marks and such things too.
It is the same as with the shapes. Some people think that there must be unlimited possibilities, but ancient records, archaeology and research prove that the number of shapes for the last 600 or 700 years was limited to a number of apparently less than 100 different shapes. When you have seen many items (speaking of thousands, at least), you just know if it can be genuine or not. Early Chinese crafts were all copying earlier arts, the master's work, etc. and little innovation was permitted.
Sep 28, 2012
 Chinese Dyasty Seals (and there are many)
by: Deb

Chinese have been writing since 1300 BC. There are alterations to the Dynasty seals over the years due to changes in age, etc., of the Emperors. Each Emperor has his own seal and there are many. Your best bet is to bring a photo of your seal to a CHINESE speaking and reading individual to see if he/she can translate the seal for you. Don't depend on an "Antique Expert" as most of them don't know about the changes in the seals and if the seal doesn't look "Exact" they will declare your vase a phoney. Most "Antique Experts" also CAN'T read and write Chinese. You can also do some of you own research. Good Luck.
Nov 19, 2010
 mark
by: peter

This is a fake mark saying that the item was made during the Qianlong period.

It is purely decorative, however. This type of mark never existed before the 20th century.

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