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Chinese porcelain has been produced for well over a thousand years. This article contains some basic tips on how to verify if your antique piece is genuine, and not a reproduction or fake item. However, it is always recommended to contact a specialist (such as our own) who have years of hands on experience in order to make an accurate judgement.

Reproductions of antique porcelain have been made in ancient China for hundreds of years. The earliest known reproductions are from Song Dynasty, they are copies of the porcelain that was manufactured at the more widely known kilns. In the Yuan dynasty, the most well-known reproductions were copies of Jun wares and Ding wares. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, reproducing antique porcelain became increasingly popular, and their ability to replicate antique porcelains greatly increased. Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine whether an item is, for example, a real Ming piece or a reproduction made during the early Qing dynasty.

The definition of a reproduction as opposed to a fake:

The difference between a reproduction of an antique item and a fake antique is mainly its "intent". A reproduction is a newer copy of an ancient type of porcelain. They are made with the intent of recreating its beauty intent. Sometimes, these antique reproductions were even ordered by high-ranking court officials. Many of them reached a high level of artistry which also makes them very valuable.

Fake antique porcelains are made and sold with the sole intent to deceive and they usually are made to look old. They were very common in the early 20th century and were created purely for monetary gain, not the intent of recreating its beauty. It is often subjected to acids, oils, tumbling and/or sandblasting to mask the distinctive appearance of new work, which is part of the reason why they are worthless.

So how do we verify whether a piece is genuine and not a reproduction or fake?

First, consider artistry. Even when counterfeiters attempt to reproduce the exact same piece, they often fail to capture the original artistry. You can usually find tell‑tale traces of imitation in the patterns and brushwork.

Second, Chinese porcelain has spawned various excellent porcelain types in different periods. Every period has its own uniqueness and character. For example, Reproductions of Kangxi porcelain made during the Guangxu period can look almost identical to originals from the Kangxi period, but differences remain in shape, glaze, and tiny pinholes. Material clues also help. For example, Famille‑Rose porcelain is characterized by a pink hue created using colloidal gold in the glaze, giving a vivid, crystalline appearance and a hard, translucent glaze. Forgers often rely on chemical colorants that look dry or uneven. Likewise, the blue of blue‑and‑white ware comes from cobalt; the ore type and application method produce distinct shades of blue that can indicate period and origin.

Lastly, examine reign marks and natural wear.

Chinese porcelain has a very long history, countless kilns, a glittering array of shapes, glazes, periods, and so on. It is impossible for anyone in a short span of a lifetime to learn all aspects of Chinese porcelain history. It requires years of study and hands on experience in order to understand the historic known kilns, their characteristics & styles in order to make an accurate judgement, that is why we are here for you. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.