Ceramic Marks Guide

A complete guide to antique pottery marks porcelain marks and china marks.

Ceramic marks guide.

The marks listed below are grouped as far as was possible in a logical order with similar signs graphics shapes etc grouped together. We welcome your feedback on the website its search functions and appearance. The antique marks reference. This practise of applying stamped four character qianlong nian zhi marks was especially common on porcelain decorated in hong kong during the 1960s and 70s but is in no way limited to this period.

In chinese this mark would read dai ming chenghua nian zhi and in japanese. Reign marks are usually four or six characters in length and can be found on the base or the side of an item. Common mark on arita imari porcelain a mixed up and carelessly written chenghua mark. A simple guide to understanding the basics of the marks and dates on the underside of pottery.

Marks with letters are listed in alphabetical order. Reign marks can play a pivotal role in helping to identify the period in which chinese artefacts were created. Since this mark was used on figurines produced for 70 years the style must be examined to determine the age. Later porcelain with this mark are often called fakes however the occurrence of this mark on later porcelain is most of the time seen as part of the decoration and not to be taken serious.

Explanation of the use of the royal coat of arms. A collection of pottery marks using photos and images from our antique collection for easy reference and as a quick guide to the possible attribution of your latest porcelain collectible or pottery marks. Sometimes seen with a germany circle mark in addition to the crown mark. Chinese porcelain reign marks identification.

Identify a mark by shape. Every collector knows that the quickest way to identify a piece of pottery or porcelain is to identify the mark but sometimes it s unreliable because marks are often forged and changed this is a listing of the better known marks and backstamps and enough information so that you can learn more about your porcelains. Daimin seika nensei 太明成化年製 however it is usual to read these japanese chinese marks in chinese to not add to the confusion. Also including antique periods and styles as well as trademarks company histories for doulton worcester meissen wedgwood troika and artists markss.

General guide to ceramic marks dating. Pictoral guide to pottery porcelain marks and kovels new dictionary of marks. Some marks look like a circle square bird or animal shape etc.