The porcelain collecting market is flooded with replicas, making authentication a critical skill for enthusiasts. Drawing from expert insights and field-tested methods, this guide reveals five key techniques to accurately date porcelain and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Clay Body: The “Bone Structure” Never Lies
The unglazed base (foot rim) holds vital clues:
Antique Porcelain:
- Hand-processed clay with visible grain and natural impurities (e.g., iron spots).
- Dry texture with natural oxidation (“fire-rust red” patina).
Modern Fakes:
- Machine-refined clay: overly uniform and “sterile.”
- No authentic aging; artificial aging appears forced.
Tip: Use a magnifier to examine the base—antique clay shows natural oxidation, while new pieces look unnaturally perfect.
2. Glaze Luster: The “Skin” of Time
Surface sheen reveals age:
Antique Glaze:
- Soft, “jade-like” glow with iridescent “clam-shell light” (oxidation effect).
- Smooth wear marks from centuries of handling.
Modern Glaze:
- Overly shiny (chemical glaze) or artificially dulled (acid-washed/sanded).
- High-end fakes use matting agents but lack natural gradation.
Tip: Tilt the piece under light—antique glaze reflects gently; fakes glare or show patchy aging.
3. Decorative Motifs: Brushstrokes Tell the Tale
Patterns reflect historical styles:
Antique Designs:
- Hand-painted with fluid, varied strokes (e.g., cobalt “bleeding” in Ming blue-and-white).
- Period-accurate details (e.g., fierce Ming dragons vs. rigid Qing ones).
Modern Copies:
- Stiff, computerized prints or decals.
- Anachronisms (e.g., failed attempts to replicate Yuan-era “Sumali blue” pigment).
Tip: Compare with museum catalogues, focusing on dragons, phoenixes, and floral motifs.
4. Sound Test: The “Echo of Centuries”
Porcelain acoustics reveal density and firing methods:
Antique Sound:
- Clear, metallic ring (high vitrification).
- Dull thud if cracked (“chong xian”).
Modern Sound:
- Muted (underfired clay) or shrill (industrial high-temperature kilns).
Tip: Gently tap the rim—antiques sing; fakes thud or clink harshly.
5. Base Examination: The “Footprint” of Authenticity
The foot rim is a replica’s downfall:
Antique Base:
- Hand-cut with irregular tool marks (e.g., Ming “skip-blade” grooves).
- Natural oxidation at glaze-clay junctions.
Fake Base:
- Machine-perfect or clumsily aged (acid stains/fake mud).
- Incorrect reign marks (e.g., robotic calligraphy).
Tip: Scrutinize the foot rim—authentic wear is organic; fakes look staged.
Read More《鉴定新老瓷器的绝招：5大技巧让你一眼辨真伪》
