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White Bowl With Gold Overlay

by Garrett
(Kansas City)

Peter

I recently purchased this all white bowl from an estate auction for about $7. It was advertised as mid-late 18th century Chinese export porcelain but I did not believe it was. It did appear to have quite a bit of age and has a hairline crack through it. The all white with gold overlay does not seem common for export porcelain during that time. I know it may not be what it was advertised as but I would like to see if you could point me in the right direction since it seems to be antique. I don't have a picture of the foot rim but once it I get it in the mail I can send it to you if it is necessary. I can't thank you enough for all the help you have provided for me Peter. Take care.

-Garrett

Comments for White Bowl With Gold Overlay

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appraisal
by: peter

No Garrett, it would not be worth it. In this case I'm quite confident that this brings you nothing. You can get such cups on Ebay occasionally. Not everything from the Ming and Qing dynasties is exorbitantly high priced. I have two such cups here, with less gilt and more black decoration still remaining. If I remember right I got them below one hundred.

I would suggest to keep it as a standard item - for comparison purposes, when you get other items of the same period, in future. While the decoration may be mostly gone, the foot, glaze color, etc. are still useful for comparing.
Bowl
by: Snap

In addition to Peter's suggestion that there may originally have been more decoration, a very good magnifying glass could show whether there is a residue or outline of where there was more. It is also possible that viewing in a darkened room with "blacklight" (ultraviolet lamp) could show such residue.

Hairline cracks only get worse, and greatly diminish market value compared with intact pieces.
Further Questions
by: Garrett

So if this is encre-de-chine should I get it appraised or authenticated? Since appraisals aren't exactly cheap I just want to get an idea as to whether or not the appraisal would be worth it. I plan on keeping the cup but I just need to know how valuable an item it is and appraisal seems to be the only route. Thanks Peter I hope my inquiries aren't too tedious. Take care.
cup
by: peter

Hi Garrett,
Their age estimate is correct, in my view.
I may add only that this could be white porcelain that was originally showing a family crest or initials, made to order.
If you find black spots or remnants of black pigment too, then you probably had encre-de-chine with gilt decoration, which is frequent in such porcelain items. Pure gilt decorations did exist but were not as frequent, or did not survive. The problem with gilt decorations is that the gilt is easily rubbed off during use.
Anyway, the condition in which your cup is shows that it has been actually used, perhaps for an extended time. :-)

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