Did you know that the most expensive vase in the world is worth about $50 million in USD? That's nearly $392 million in Hong Kong dollars. Due to the value and elegance of Chinese porcelain, these high-value pieces are among the most beautiful ones to exist.
If you're considering viewing or purchasing a gorgeous Chinese vase for your own use or gifting purpose, first learn to tell if it is valuable. Read on to learn some expert tips and tricks on ensuring you're buying the real thing rather than an imitation.
1. Price
Many people looking to buy a large Chinese vase try to find deals and discounts online, which may make sense at first. After all, even a few less-expensive pieces can be found for several thousand dollars.
Unfortunately, this is a sure way to get ripped off. The raw materials used in bone china are expensive. They include around 30-45% bone ash, quartz, silica, ball clay, and kaolin, which are generally rare and challenging to source. The manufacturing process is also expensive and takes a lot of work. The sculpting needs to be flawless, and the high kiln temperature requires a lot of trial and error.
Sellers retailing china vases for under $500 are selling them at a loss. Even the least expensive vases will cost around $1000, and that's a lowball price. If something seems too good to be true, then it certainly is.
2. Shape
The shape of a Chinese vintage vase is one of the most important things to consider when determining its value. This isn't because some shapes are inherently better or worse than others but different vase shapes were popular in different dynasties, such as
- Vases of Plum, pear, cong, and double-gourd styles (960-1271 AD)
- Beaker or flaring-shaped vases (1271-1368 AD)
- Moonflask, pilgrim flask, and spherical designs (1368-1644 AD)
- Willow leaf, Ruleau, Phoenix-tail, or mallet-shaped vases (1644-1911 AD)
3. Color And Glaze
Authentic vases generally showcase blue and white hues having variations across eras. Check the blue paint for imperfections, showing cobalt usage, either local or imported pieces. You can match the paint and shape of the vase to verify the era. Consider glaze types like crackle glaze for the Tang Dynasty. Look for color combinations to determine the era accurately. Compare the cloisonne vase to authentic images to confirm authenticity before buying.
4. Imagery And Patterns
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Check for stenciled black outlines or stretched-out images on the vase - a sign of inauthenticity.
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Authentic vases feature unique patterns not found in other cultures' designs.
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Look for floral motifs such as peonies, roses, orchids, lotus, jasmine, hibiscus, or crab apple trees.
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Beware of groupings of four objects, as the number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture.
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Avoid vases with these indicators of inauthenticity to ensure quality and cultural accuracy.
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Authentic China vases hold cultural significance and craftsmanship that imitations cannot replicate.
5. Reign Marks
The bottom part of an authentic cloisonne vase will have something called a reign mark. It will be 4-6 characters denoting who the emperor was when the vase was made. It's normally blue or red and stands out starkly on the base.
To check the authenticity and age of a vase, you can translate any reign marks present and compare them to historical records to determine the emperor's reign. Additionally, matching the cobalt used for the mark with the ink on the vase suggests authenticity. Comparing the dynasty indicated by the vase's shape and imagery can further help determine the dating. For an accurate evaluation, talk to an expert, especially if there are no reign marks present.
6. Weight And Texture
If you're not shopping online and going to a store, touch the vase you're trying to value and pick it up. It may be a Japanese porcelain incorrectly marketed as Chinese pottery if it's super thick and heavy. It is way less valuable and is used to trick and scam buyers. You want it to be thin and lightweight.
Additionally, look at the texture of the glaze as authentic glaze is very durable. It is probably not real if it's worn down and chipped.
The bottom line
Chinese porcelain is beautiful and adds a sophisticated touch to any home or workspace. However, no replica can be compared to a real ceramic set.
Now that you know how to tell if a Chinese vase is authentic and valuable, it's time to look at exceptional art to better understand these pieces' beauty. Check out Morrow Land's online store and buy beautiful vintage vases at the best value.