This is a list of Chinese porcelain pieces that have been decorated in such a way that the decoration includes a date. The dates are almost exclusively given as Chinese cyclical dates, which are repeated in 60th year cycles. Without a reference to the period of the reigning emperor, it is thus possible to by mistake date a piece 60 years back or forward in time. This practice have for various reasons continued up until today.
The modernization of China by scholars, teachers and students alike started during the mid 19th century. In late Guangxu (1875-1908) period, around 1900, along with Dr Sun's revolution the process was in full swing. As of January 1, 1912 the Gregorian calendar was adopted by the nascent Republic of China for official business. The status of the Gregorian calendar between about 1916 and 1921 while China was controlled by several competing warlords is uncertain. From about 1921 until 1928 warlords continued to control northern China. Kuomintang who controlled the south of China, probably used the Gregorian calendar.
The 10th of October 1928 the Kuomintang declared a reconstituted Republic of China, and also decreed that as of 1th January 1929 everyone must use the Gregorian calendar. The earliest example I have so far on the practice of dating porcelain after the Gregorian calendar is from April that very same year, 1929, in very small characters.
During the Kuomintang period, dates also occurs as numbered years of their Republic, from 1929, regarding this as year one. A date as the 29th year of the Republic as in mark #645 should thus indicate 1912 plus 29 years, or 1941. When the Communist Party gained control of mainland China the 1st of October 1949, they simply continued using the Gregorian calendar, but now numbered the years in the Western manner, beginning with 1949.
As per usual any dates or marks on antique Chinese porcelain should be be treated with utmost caution however, it is my impression that dates found in poems or other inscriptions on porcelain, from late 19th century until mid 20th century in most cases seems to be surprisingly correct.
Jan-Erik Nilsson
This page has been created together with expert members of the Gotheborg Discussion Board with a special thank you to Simon Ng in Hong Kong, and N K Koh, in Singapore.
| Export porcelain 19th century | |
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| During the 18th to 19th century Chinese market porcelain was rarely dated. The few exceptions were porcelain ordered for funerals, birthdays or special commemorations. More common however was western market export porcelain that was ordered by the East India trade officials themselves, for themselves or for their friends and relatives back home. A few examples are given below. Export porcelain rarely or ever have any corresponding reign marks on their bases. | |
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1493. Cider mug. With the signature of countess (friherrinnan) Anna Mathilda Palbitzki, 1800. (1774-1849). Daughter of Axel Gottlieb Palbitzki and Brita Catharina Planting-Bergloo, Wife of Henning Christian Schmiterlöw, Mother of Gustaf Axel Schmiterlöw; Augusta Christina Schmiterlöw; Carl Johan Fredrik Schmiterlöw and Catharina Mathilda Schmiterlöw. Half sister of Ulrika Christina Magdalena Silfversparre. Dated year 1800. |
| Tongzhi (1862-1874) period | |
|---|---|
| 1871 | |
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1414. Square tea pot. Dated in the calligraphy to 1871. Hand written base mark in iron red with chafered corners Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi "Great Qing Dynasty Tongzhi Period Make". The second line reas "Tongzhi Xin Wei (1871) Mid Autumn (I) made this by the side of the Jingdezhen River... (could be read as, Made at the Changjiang Official Works). Chang Jiang is a district of Jingdezhen but also the river that runs through the city. The artist call himself "the man of the thirty great mountain peaks" and say he have painted the decoration in the style of Ni Yunlin which refers to the Yuan painter Ni Zan. As usual in these wares that refer to famous painters, the style of the decoration bears no connection to Ni Zan, who painted almost exclusively in ink and never painted bird/flower subjects, only an occasional bamboo. |
| 1873 | |
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998. Hat stand with pierced walls. Dated in the calligraphic inscription to the gui you year, i.e. 1873. Hand written base mark in iron red Qi yuanshi zhi meaning "Qi yuan shi made". |
| Guangxu (1875-1908) period | |
|---|---|
| 1877 | |
 Signed: Po Zhang (1877) |
1427. Teapot. Square stamped four character base mark "Tongzhi Nian Zhi". The calligraphy signed Po Zhang and dated 1877. |
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1429. Serving dish on a raised foot. Dated in the inscription to 1877 (or 1937). |
| 1878 | |
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648. Square vase with elephant's heads handles. Undulating glaze - special dull enamels of a kind of their own. Rough foot rim. |
| 1881 | |
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1430. Brush pot. Signed by the Qianjiang master Zhou Zishan dated 1881. You can take special note on the 'donkey' shape faces of the master and servant. No mark. |
| 1882 | |
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844. Vase with Qianjiang style decoration. Landscape; main colours in pale red, lake green and blue; direct applications of enamels. The Painter's calligraphy acknowledging his painting style and inspiration from Ni Zan, Huang Gongwang's Qianjiang painting friend. |
| 1884 | |
Signed by: Fang Jia Zhen |
988. Narcissus bowl. Signed by: Fang Jia Zhen, Stamped base mark: Tongzhi Nian Zhi "Tongzhi period make". Dated to the jia shen year (1884). For a cup with the same signature, see #1024 (1904). |
| 1884 | |
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Signed by: Fang Jia Zhen |
988. Narcissus bowl. Signed by: Fang Jia Zhen, Stamped base mark: Tongzhi Nian Zhi "Tongzhi period make". Dated to the jia shen year (1884). For a cup with the same signature, see #1024 (1904). |
| 1885 | |
Signed by: WANG Zhao Li |
992. Small vase. No mark. Dated in the inscription to "yi you" meaning 1885, signed WANG Zhao Li. Height 9 cm. |
| 1887 | |
 Signed by: Li Yanqing |
408. Narcissus pot, dated 1887. The four character mark on the base reads Guangxu Nian Zao (1875-1908). Qiangjiang Cai (enamels), calligraphy on the sides reads Painted by Li Yanqing (in) Ding Hai year (1887).
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Signed by: Sheng Men |
621. Vase, dated 1887. Painted by Sheng Men (1887). Mark: Guangxu Nian Zhi (1875-1908). |
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1025. Vase, dated Ding Hai year meaning, 1887. No base mark. |
| 1888 | |
Signed by: Li Dao Ren Zuo (Sheng Men) |
757. Narcissus bowl. Inscription "Finding pleasure while sailing among the red trees and the green hills" Wu Ji Qiu Rou - "Wi Ji (1888) Autumn Months". Signed: Li Dao Ren Zuo (Cheng Men). Red mark seal: Song Sheng. |
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1021. Hat stand, height 28 cm. Dated to the wu zi year in the inscription, matching the western date 1888. On the base a stamped square iron red mark Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi meaning "Great Qing Tongzhi Period Make". |
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1147. Hat stand. Decorated with a swallow. Dated to the wu zi year (1888) in the inscription. Unclear/illegible stamped mark on the base, possibly six character Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi meaning "Qing Dynasty Tongzhi Period Make". |
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1081. Wine warmer. Dated to the wu zi year in the inscription, matching the western date 1888. On the base a stamped square iron red mark Tongzhi Nian Zhi meaning "Tongzhi Period Make". |
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1026. Large square vase. Dated to the wu zi year in the inscription, matching the western date 1888. No base mark. |
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1120. Teapot. Dated to the wu zi year (1888) in the inscription. No base mark.
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| 1889 | |
Signed by: Zhu Shao Quan |
1036. Planter, dated 1889. The calligraphy sides shows, on one side a poem about peonies, and on the other red calligraphy work in ancient script, and in black the Chinese year date for the planter, which is the Jichou year 1889. There is also a seal signature for the artist Shao Quan |
Signed by: Bin Mao |
1187. Bowl with lobed sides, dated ji chou in the inscription matching 1889. Red stamped mark Tongzhi Nian Zhi on the base. Text in general translation by David Lane: shi zai, ji chou, zhongdong, shu yu, Lu Jiang, Zhu Shan, (X) ci, Bin Mao, ti [red seal] At the time of the ji chou year (1899) in the 11th moon, the second month of winter written near the River Lu and the Pearl Mountain 'X'th time Bin Mao (name) Written by [seal] |
| 1890 | |
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1018. Square vase with moulded ears. Dated to the geng yin year (1890) in the calligraphy. Underglaze blue mark Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi meaning "Great Qing Qianlong Period Make". Height 15 cm. |
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1005. Vase with elephant's trunk handles. Dated to the geng yin year (1890) in the calligraphy. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao meaning "Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace". Height 10 cm. |
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1115. Quite large lidded bowl 'Kamcheng', but missing its lid. No mark, cut foot rim, dated in the inscription to the geng yin year (1890). Decoration mostly unchanged 12 years later as in 1111. Width, diam. 17 cm, Height bottom section as on the picture 4 3/4" (12 cm).
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| 1891 | |
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987. Bowl with Quails on rocks, dated 1891. Base mark, hand written mark Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi (Qing dynasty Guangxu period make). |
Signed by: Gao Xin Tian |
1013. Square brush holder. height 8.5 cm. Dated in the inscription to the xin mao year, matching the western year of 1891. On the base a reversed stamped Guangxu Nian Zhi seal mark in iron red. Decoration in Wang Ye Ting style, but signed by Gao Xin Tian. |
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1199. Tea pot. Dated in the inscription to the xin mao (1891) year. On the base a stamped 'Tongzhi Nian Zhi' seal mark in iron red. |
| 1892 | |
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671. Three lobed bowl, with calligraphy in dull black enamel "Flowers dancing in the breeze, Spring arrives, birds find their tunes", dated "1892". Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). |
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993. Bowl, dated "1892". Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). |
Signed by artist: Yu Chung painted |
1155. Six sided hatstand, dated in the calligraphy to the ren chen year (1892). Height 28 cm. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Signed by the artist: Yu Chung painted. |
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672. Brush holder, with decoration in Qianjiang cai style of decoration, nice painting and calligraphy in dull black enamel, dated "1892". Mark: Tongzhi Nian Zhi - "Tongzhi period made", but Guangxu period.
Poem loosely translated: Poem signed by "Tse Min". |
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1008. Vase, dated in the calligraphy to the ren chen year = 1892. On the base a double ring in underglaze blue; no mark. |
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1003. Vase, dated in the inscription to the ren chen year = 1892. On the base a stamped square iron red mark Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi meaning "Great Qing Tongzhi Period Make". |
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1019. Square Vase, dated in the calligraphy to the ren chen year = 1892. Height 27 cm. On the base a stamped square iron red mark Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi meaning "Great Qing Tongzhi Period Make". |
| 1893 | |
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1106. Hatstands. Two, with mirrored decoration. Both has the same general text saying wealthy life blessed by the peonies.
The practice on signing porcelain seems to be that the painter usually only signed date and name on one piece of a pair. On the bases of both a very faint mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Dated in the calligraphy of one of the hat stands, to the gui si year, or 1893.
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1010. Bowl. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Dated in the calligraphy to the gui si year, 1893. |
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1127. Brush pot. Mark: mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Dated to the gui si year (1893) |
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1031. Hatstand. Red base mark Tongzhi. Dated in the calligraphy to the gui si year, or 1893. |
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661. Vase. Mark: Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi (1875-1908), Dated to the gui si year, 1893, which matches with the Guangxu period. |
| 1894 | |
Mark: Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace) |
997. Vase. Dated in the inscription to the jia wu year (1894). Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Qianjiang decoration. Height 29.5 cm (11 5/8 inch.)
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Signed by: Mei Chun Mao |
1125. Vase with elephant's trunk handles. Dated in the inscription to the jia wu year (1894). Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). In 1905 Mei Chun Mao occurs on a pieces with a stamped Tongzhi Nian Zhi mark, see 1905 |
Signed by: Zhou Da He |
835. Pair of vases with mirrored decoration. No marks. Signed by Zhou Da He, "in imitation of ancient works" (fang gu), winter of the jiawu year (1894.)
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Signed by: Bao Wen |
1119. Teapot. Signed by: Bao Wen and dated in the inscription to the jia wu year (1894). |
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1175. Soap box. Dated in the inscription to the jia wu year (1894). |
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1173. Dish. The decoration is of two five clawed dragons around the 'five happinesses' (wu fu) in the center and on the underside of the rim - three happinesses. In Chinese Porcelain of the 20th Century van Oort says that "[in 1894] every high official in the Empire had been invited to contribute twenty-five per cent of his salary as a birthday gift to Her Majesty ... however I have not been able to trace in the history of the Qing dynasty any mention of an official decree ordering porcelain to be made in Jingdezhen for that occasion". The quality of this dish is good and fits well with an actual date of production to the last years of the 19th century Base mark is Guangxu period 'jia wu' (1894) year make. The porcelain made for Cixi for her 50th birthday in 1885 carries the mark Chuxiu Gong zhi and resemble Kangxi wares in design. Aside from the Dayazhai wares are those the only pieces that we know are directly associated with her. She was born November 29th, 1835 and died November 15th, 1908. Why a date of 1894 is indeed her 59th birthday, her Chinese age would be 60. |
| 1895 | |
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604. Kamcheng pot, dated Yi Wei Nian (1895) |
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674. Square vase, dated Yi Wei Nian (1895). On one side a scholar, on the other side a "White head Granny and Peony" decoration, which generally could be translated to a wish for "family success, wealth, prosperity and old age". |
Signed by: Qing Shu |
686. Bowl. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Dated mid summer 1895. Inscription reads Shi Zai (at the time of) Yi Wei (matching year 1895) Zhong Qiu (mid summer) Qing Shu (Artist name). |
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825. Mark: Tongzhi - "Tongzhi (Period Made)". Qianjiang enamels, dated the years of Yi Wei = 1895. |
| 1896 | |
| In 1898 Guangxu exerted his power as emperor and implemented the "100 Days' Reform" why Cixi promptly slapped him down confining him to his palace and took power as regent. | |
Signed by: Xiao Shan |
517. Bing Shen Qiu Rou - "Bing Shen (Year) Autumn Month". Most likely year matching "Bing Shen" are 1896. Xiao Shan Zuo - Xiao Shan ( Artist's name ) Painted. Base red mark : Gao Bo Sheng Hao - Gao Bo Sheng Company.
This item is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection. |
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1225. Teapot. Signed in the inscription to the Bing Shen year, probably meaning 1896. Stamped mark in red enamels: Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). |
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1443. Bowl. Signed in the inscription to the Bing Shen year (1896). Stamped mark in red enamels: Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi (Great Qing dynasty Tongzhi period make). |
| 1898 | |
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1108. Brushpot, dated wu xu year, in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1898. Qianjiang decoration. Red base mark Guangxu Nian Zhi (Guangxu Period Make). |
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1164. Hat stand, dated wu xu year, in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1898. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace).
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Signed by: Dai Yu Cheng |
1113. Hatstand, dated wu xu year, in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1898. Red base mark Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi. The text is a rather sloppy cursive that starts off talking about the pure and elegant etc pleasures of collecting antiques. following the date it gives a place of manufacture that is not quite clear to me--something mountain something in Changpu? Last is the name of the artist Dai Yu Cheng.
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 Signed by: Ma Qingyun (1898) |
1428. Ginger Jar, dated wu xu year in the calligraphy (1898). Mark on the base an unusual combination of period and artist/studio: Guangxu Nian Qingyun Zhi. Signed by: 马庆云 Ma Qingyun (1898). |
| 1899 | |
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996. Bowl, dated ji hai in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1899. Qianjiang decoration. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). |
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1161. Hatstand, dated in the calligraphy ji hai year (1899). Stamped red base mark Tongzhi Nian Zhi.
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1188. Large vase, dated in the calligraphy to the ji hai year (1899). Green enameled base with no mark. Height of vase 24 inches / 61 cm.
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1224. Bowl, dated in the calligraphy to the ji hai year (1899). Base mark: stamped dark red mark Tongzhi Nian Zhi. Diameter 4 1/4 inches / 10.8 cm.
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| 1900 | |
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1148. Bowl, dated geng xi (1900) in the calligraphy. Qianjiang decoration.
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| 1901 (27th year Guangxu reign) | |
| Ke Fengshi, Governor of Jiangxi submitted a memorial to the throne proposing to set up a porcelain company under the Qing court. | |
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1006. Lidded jar, dated to the xin chou year in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1901. Red stamped four character Tongzhi Nian Zhi (Tongzhi year make) base mark.
This item is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection by William Turnbull, Canada, 2004. |
Signed and seal of: GAO Heng Sheng |
1009. Hat stand, dated to the xin chou year in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1901. Red stamped four character base mark GAO Heng Sheng. The name also appears as the last line of the poem. |
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1176. Teapot, dated to the xin chou year in the calligraphy, matching western date is 1901. Red stamped four character base mark Tongzhi Nian Zhi. |
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1426. Vase by the Qianjiang master Zhang Zhi Yun (or Zhang Zhi Ying). Dated 1901. (No base mark.) |
| 1902 (28th year Guangxu reign) | |
| Inauguration of the Porcelain Company. | |
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653. Vase, dated 1902. Red plus green Fu dog. Stamped Tongzhi Nian Zhi mark. White glossy foot rim with brown grit stains. Calligraphy in a grayish black soft enamel. Black enamels of green dog under a clear green glaze. Thin reddish rim border dressing. Putty colored porcelain. |
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1002. Jar. Height 7 cm, diameter 7.5 cm. Fire support marks on the flat base. No base mark. Dated in the decoration as ren yin, representing '1902'. |
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1098. Tea pot. Decorated in a combination of underglaze blue and enamels. Dated in the decoration as ren yin, representing '1902'. |
Signed and seal: Guo Heng Sheng |
1111. Covered jar. Iron red seal mark on the base: Gao Heng Sang Zhi. Height 9.5 cm. Decorated in enamels. Dated in the decoration as ren yin, representing '1902'. The red seal mark on the base says "Gao" (high/tall), "Heng" (constant, enduring, everlasting), "hua??" (painted). "Hua" might be a bit of a stretch too. Signature in the inscription "Gao Heng Sheng Zuo" (made). |
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1114. Plate with light-brown rim. Thickly applied enamels with a bird perching at the stalk of flowering sprays of hydrangea, inscription with a cyclic date ren yin (1902) year and a red seal. On the undecorated reverse an iron-red four-character mark (Guan yao nei zao Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace) to the base, sand adhesion to the foot rim, pinholes and drops of glaze stuck to the reverse. |
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1126. Vase. Inscription with a cyclic date ren yin year (1902). |
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1170. Serving dish. Base mark in red: Guangxu Nian Zhi - "Guangxu (1875-1908) period make". Inscription with a cyclic date ren yin year, (1902).
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| 1903 (29th year Guangxu reign) | |
| Samples of machine-made porcelain based on Western prototypes presented to the Qing court by the Porcelain Company. | |
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660. Small vase with elephant handles, with long snoozes. Calligraphy in dull black enamel, dated 1903. The yellow bird is probably "The Great Spring Scholar" which singing signals the arrival of Spring. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace) same as #671 |
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995. Ginger jar with glazed opening. Height 13 cm. Red seal mark on the base Tongzhi Nian Zhi. Dated in the decoration to the gui mao year (1903). |
Seal: Wang You Tang |
1001. Bowl. Diameter 8 cm. Stamped base mark: Wang You Tang Zuo. Wang was a good porcelain painter. He made many pieces, some very good. Signed and dated in the calligraphy, to the gui mao year (1903). |
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1017. Vase. Dated in the decoration to the gui mao year (1903). |
Signed by artist: Drawing by Zhang Yi Tai |
1197. Tea pot. Mark: "Zhang Yi Tai Hui", or Drawing by Zhang Yi Tai. Dated in the decoration to the gui mao year (1903). In Straits Chinese porcelain Zhen Yi Tai is a common mark. Zhang Yi probably signifies the name of a company (Tai). A number of old businesses in San Francisco Chinatown have this same tai character as the last one in a three-character name, for example "Jiu Jong Tai," "Fa Ming Tai," "Guang Xing Tai," etc. |
| 1904 | |
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829. Teapot. Poetry "the blinds (curtains) reflects the Beauty's face", Red seal mark on the base Tongzhi Nian Zhi. Dated to the :jia chen year meaning 1904. |
Signed by: Fang Jia Zhen |
1024. Mug with handle. Height 10 cm, diameter 10 cm. Base mark: Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi, Dated to the :jia chen year meaing 1904. For a shallow bowl with the same signature, see #988 (1884). |
| 1905 | |
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47. Vase, dated 1905. Mark: Guangxu Nian Zhi (1875-1908). |
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957. Vase. Top right third and forth character are yi si which equals the year 1905. Illegible base mark very blurred but possible: Guangxu Nian Zhi (1875-1908). |
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1015. Square brush pot, height 9 cm / 3.5". Dated in the inscription to yi si which equals the year 1905. Illegible iron red four character base mark in a square frame. |
Signed by: Jin Shao Zhai |
832. Brush pot for Chinese painting, 1905. The verses saying something in the line of: Dreaming of a country house, in the green forest. Signed by the artist: Jin Shao Zhai. Dated in the calligraphy to the Yi si year, 1905.
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Signed and seal: Lou Chun Mao |
1079. Hatstand, Calligraphy: "Admiring the old for benefit in the future, Mr Luo Chun Mao made, (plus his seal), Winter of the Yi Si year (1905). In 1894 Mei Chun Mao occurs on a pieces with a Guan yao nei zao mark, see 1894
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1158. Stemcup, dated in the calligraphy Yi Si year (1905). No base mark.
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| 1906 | |
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1906_2. Tea pot with lid, decorated in red, green and black enamels of a Buddhist lion (fu dog), dated in the decorative calligraphy to the bing wu year (1906). Mark: JINGDEZHEN LU' GUANG SHU`N ZA`O meaning: "Jingdezhen Lu Guang Shun Make" |
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1102. Lidded tea cup set with stand, underglaze blue and white decoration, signed date is Ping Wu Nian, 1906. Mark: Jinyu Zhencang 金玉珍藏 meaning: "Precious collection of gold and jade". |
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1103. Large Vase with the year Wu Nian, 1906, in the inscription. No mark: |
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1104. Square dish with the year Wu Nian, 1906, in the inscription. No mark. |
| 1907 (33th year Guangxu reign) | |
| Duan Fang, Governor-general of Jiangsu and Zhejiang submitted a memorial to the throne on the change of the Porcelain Company from merchant run on government-supervised terms to entirely merchant-run terms, and was renamed the Commercial Porcelain Company of Jiangxi Limited, which managed also the imperial kilns. | |
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531. Vase, dated ding wei 1907. No mark. |
 Seal on base: YU Zi Ming |
1012. Six sided hatstand, dated ding wei 1907. Red seal mark on the base, signed by the personal seal of YU Zi Ming |
 Seal on base: Tai Yue Shing |
1117. Large tea pot, dated ding wei 1907. Red seal mark on the base of the artist Tai Yue Shing Made. |
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1156. Six sided hatstand, dated to the ding wei year (1907) in the inscription. Blurred red seal mark on the base, probably Tongzhi Nian Zhi "Tongzhi period make". |
| 1908 | |
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663. Hair's oil jar. Dated to the wu shen year, 1908. |
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1109. Vase. Height 9"/22.6 cm. Dated to the wu shen year, 1908. On the base a square stamped four character mark; Tongxhi Nian Zhi |
| Xuantong (1909-11) period | |
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| 1909 (1st year Xuantong reign) | |
| Jingdezhen Chamber-general of Commerce was established. | |
Signed by: Jiang Yong Sheng |
755. 'Peace and riches' vase. Ti kai, er shu hua, ji you xia yue shu yu jiang you, Jiang yong sheng zuo. The bird's call make the flowers bloom. Drawn beside the river Jiang, in the summer months of the 'Ji You' year (1909), by 'Jiang Yong Sheng'. |
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113. Yi Xing Long Zhu - "Yi Xing Long" Factory Made. Fencai enamels. Dated 1909. |
Signed: Zhang Yi Tai Zuo (Made)) |
754. Mark: Tongzhi Nian Zhi - "Tongzhi Period Made". According to the caligraphy this was made by Cheung
Wen-tai in the winter of 1909. The meaning of the calligraphy is to congratulate people on a bright and promising career etc., maybe a promotion.
The inscription reads and means: Tai shi sheng dian, shao bao zun rong - "The assistant is honored when the master is enpowered". (Tai shi is the title of a high ranking official or teacher to the future emperor, while Shao bao is an assistant) Ji you zhong dong yue - "ji you year (1909), month of mid winter". Zhang yi tai zuo - "Made by Zhang Yi Tai"
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1130. Vase. Height 17.25 inches (44 cm). Dated in the inscription to the ji you year (1909). Iron red mark stamp under the base. |
Signed by: Zhang Jianxiang |
1203. Vase. Verse direct translation is "prosperity/wealthy and grey hair". The bird symbolize wealth and longevity. Made in the ji you year (1909) by Zhang Jianxiang. No mark. Height 18 inches (c. 46 cm). Decoration in the style of silk paintings signed by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Apparently these paintings were all the rage in the Qing courts. Most of the concubines including Cixi spent their free time learning and painting these flowers and also birds. |
| 1910 (2nd year Xuantong reign) | |
| Petition to the Ministry of Education to establish the China Pottery Manufacture School, later renamed the Jiangxi Provincial Ceramic Vocational School. | |
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1320. Large dish. Dated to the geng xu year (1910) dong (winter). Diam 14 inches / 34.5 cm. No mark.
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640. Alice och James Keiller Canton 1910 Fencai enamels. Dated 1910. |
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659. Vase with engraved decoration. Brown dressed dog's heads handles. Dated 1910. |
| 1911 | |
| The Qing dynasty is overthrown in 1911. | |
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652. Blue and white flower pot. Dated to the xin hai year in the calligraphy (1911). |
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1154. Small liondog decorated vase with an innovative shape, typical of the period. On the base a factory mark of the period Tong Sang Tai Made. Dated to the xin hai year in the calligraphy (1911). |
| Republic (1912-49) period | |
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| 1912 | |
| Jingdezhen Research Society of the Art of Porcelain was established in 1912. | |
| The last emperor, Pu-yi with the reign title Xuantong, abdicated officially on February 12, 1912. However, that same day, the Republic of China granted Pu-yi to retain his imperial title. This was revised November 5, 1924 after the coup by General Feng Yuxiang making Pu-yi a regular citizen of the Republic of China and the same day expelling him from the Forbidden City. Thus, Pu-yi was ruling emperor until February 12, 1912 (and also briefly between July 1 and July 12, 1917), and non-ruling emperor between February 12, 1912 and November 5, 1924. In 1932-1934 Pu-yi was put in place as the leader of the Japanese-controlled Manchukuo under the reign name Datong (??) and in 1934-1945 made 'emperor' of the same region under the reign name Kangde (??). | |
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654. Lidded food bowl. Soft colored enamels. Grayish calligraphy. Burnt red base and foot rim. Dated 1912. |
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1028. Jar. Grayish calligraphy. Burnt red base and foot rim. Dated in the worn calligraphy to the ren zi year i.e. 1912. |
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1020. Large vase. No base mark. Dated in the calligraphy to the ren zi year meaning 1912. |
Signed by: Zhou Xiao Song |
1014. Vase. Dated to the ren zi year (1912). Square iron red seal mark on the base Zhou Xiao Song Zhi, and signed by Zhou Xiao Song in the calligraphy. The poem is a duplet, i.e. made up of two sentences with seven words each, reading:
" Gu yan bu rong liu su mo; Meaning The poem is identical with that on the vase #1011. |
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1183. Large vase or hat stand. Dated in the calligraphy to the ren zi year meaning 1912. Illustrated as a comparison is a undated vase. marked with a stamped red 'Guangxu Nian Zhi' mark, which potting is a little thicker and have more evident rings on the inside of the foot rim. In my opinion the date is correct and the Guangxu mark is applied with a stamp to this vase 4 years after the Guangxu period has ended. |
| 1913 | |
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1007. Bowl decorated with enamels and gilt. Red base seal mark. Dated in the calligraphy to the 'gui chou' year (1913). |
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1568. Hatstand decorated with enamels and gilt. Red base mark Jinyu Zhencang (precious collection of gold and jade) 金玉珍藏. Dated in the calligraphy to the summer of the 'gui chou' year (1913). Mark also found on pieces from 1906. Artist: 余志成 Yu Zhicheng. |
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1011. Vase decorated with enamels and gilt. No base mark. Dated in the calligraphy to the 'gui chou' year (1913). The poem is a duplet, i.e. made up of two sentences with seven words each, reading:
" Gu yan bu rong liu su mo; Meaning The poem is identical with that on the vase #1014. |
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1053. Republic of China Anniversary Brush Holder. A Famille rose Brush pot special made for Republic of China’s 2nd year Anniversary, dated year gui chou corresponding to 1913. |
| 1914 | |
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102. Mark: Li Xie Xing Zao - "Li Xie Xing" Factory Made. Dated 1914.
The second part of the text contains the words Jia Yin Nian - matching year 1914. The birds common Chinese name is "White head Granny" and the flower is of course Peony, which stands for prosperity. Caption is: "Prosperity to the old age". Unmistakably Jiangxi quality, either Jingdezhen or Nanchang . Set of several bowls: Bird: "White head Granny" (Prosperity till eternity). Bowl 2: Yellow bird - "The Great Spring Scholar", Caption refers to the fantastic singing of this yellow bird. In the quiet Chinese villages, after a long snowy winter, her rapid singing signaling the arrival of Spring is sheer joy. Bowl 3 - The flaming/glorious blossom. Peony is here a metaphor for family success and wealth. The date carries all the characteristic of the period : Two years into the republic period, the warlords are still fighting but the bright enamels, the hue of the white glaze and the hasty fluent painting reflects the desire of the potters of a better daily life.
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 Signed: Wang Yongtai, 1914 |
1425. Mark: Wang Yong Tai xx Dated 1914. |
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1227. Lidded jar. Dated in the inscription to the jia yin year (1914). No mark.
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| 1915 | |
| Yuan Shikai restored monarchism under the reign title of Hongxian and appointed Guo Baochang Superintendent of Pottery Works to supervise the manufacture of Hongxian ware in Jingdezhen. | |
 Signature and mark: Chen Yung Tai (name) Zao Made |
1153. Tea pot. Dated in the inscription to the yi mao year (1915). Mark and signature in inscription: Chen Yung Tai (name) Zao Made. The decoration is of a boat in the river, "(Boat) Guest tour thousand mountains and miles with the Spring wind".
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1159. Vase with engraved decoration. Dated in the inscription to the yi mao year (1915). No base mark at all.
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1178. Narcissus bowl. Dated in the inscription to the yi mao year (1915). No base mark at all.
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| 1916 | |
| In 1916 Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself the short-lived Hongxian Emperor. It was said that he ordered porcelain sets from Jingdezhen in 1915 to coincide with the inauguration of the regime. In my view all pieces actually ordered by Yuan Shikai carries the Juren Tang zhi mark. All porcelain crrying the Hongxian nian zhi are probably later. | |
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656. Coffe jug. Dated in the inscription as of "1916", Stamped, very blurred mark. |
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774. Small soup bowl. Dated in the inscription as of "1916", Kangxi Nian Zhi mark, very blurred mark. "Hollow line" in the decoration.
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833. Porcelain vase. The two first upright characters gives the year bing chen (1916). Mark: Liu Jun He Zao meaning: 'Liu Jun He' Made.
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1016. Small soup bowl. Dated in the inscription as of "1916". Poem signed with the same name as the factory or studio; Fang Ping Tai painted, and base mark Fang Ping Tai Hao. |
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1022. Lidded 'Kamcheng' soup bowl. Height with lid 18 cm, diam 19 cm. Dated in the inscription to the bing chen year, meaning "1916". Base mark Ma Qing Yun Hua Ya Chi. |
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1171. Vase. Dated in the inscription to the bing chen year, meaning "1916".
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| 1917 | |
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1596. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917), stamped but illegible mark. |
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530. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917), no mark. |
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1208. Plate. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917). |
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658. Square miniature vase. Clear black outlines and calligraphy. Blurred gold. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917). No base mark. |
 Jiangxi Guang Ya (name) Company |
1121. Lidded bowl. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917). Base mark in blue enamel: Jiangxi Guang Ya Gongsi "Jiangxi Guang Ya (name) Company".
I P Collection |
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1151. Hat stand / vase with fu dog decoration. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917).
I P Collection |
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1222. Bowl. Mark: mark is Yi Ji Qi Zhen (Factory mark). Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917). |
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1226. Vase. Height 22 cm / 8.75 inches. Mark: faint square red large, illegible. (Factory mark). Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917).
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1452. Sttraight sided vase. Height 28 cm / 11 inches. Mark: reversed seal mark. Dated in the inscription to the ding si year (1917).
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| 1918 | |
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1131. Hat stand / vase. Square base mark in red enamel. Dated in the inscription to the wu wu year (1918). |
| 1919 | |
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662. Hair's oil jar. Dated 1919. |
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1099. Lidded bowl. Illegible stamped iron red mark. Dated in the inscription to the ji wei year, meaning 1919. |
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1027. Lidded bowl. Dated in the inscription to the ji wei year, meaning 1919.
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1110. Teapot. Illegible stamped iron red mark. Dated in the inscription to the ji wei year, meaning 1919.
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1110. Lidded bowl. Stamped iron red mark reads "Chang Jiang Cui Yun Xuan Hua" (Drawn in the "Green Cloud Balcony" of Chang Jiang). Poem interpretated as "The field of books carries no tax, let our descendants exploit its benefits." Dated in the inscription to the ji wei year (1919). |
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1495. Vase made into a lamp stand. Decoration of ancient Chinese coins. Stamped iron red quatrefoil shaped mark. Jiangxi 江西 (province), 生和順造 Sheng he shun zao (made), 景鎮 Jing(de)zhen. Dated in the inscription to the ji wei year (1919). |
| 1920 | |
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1004. Brush pot with no base mark. Dated in the inscription to the geng shen year, i.e. either 1860 or 1920 of which 1860 seems unlikely considering how the woman is rendered.
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51. Dated in the inscription as of "1920", no mark. |
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655. Vase. Republic era clothes. Dated in the inscription as of "1920", no mark. |
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989. Narcissus bowl, dated in the inscription to 1920, no mark. |
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1174. Lidded bowl, dated in the inscription to geng shen year (1920). Red stamped seal mark Qianlong Nian Zhi on the base.
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| 1921 | |
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647. "1921 Winter month, For Sir Run Mao's pleasure. From your humble friend Chen Guang Di respectfully presented".
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981.
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 Painted by: Xu Dasheng Base mark: Xu Zhen Xiang Shi "Xu's Hall of Good Omen" |
1145. Cup. . The poem from right to left yue yue jian xi meaning "Moon Moon See Happiness "or "See happiness every month". First and second column unclear but might contain a date xin you (1921) year. Dong "winter ..." . Third and fourth columns read Xu Dasheng zuo (made by Xu Dasheng). Red stamped basemark Xu Zhen Xiang Shi "Xu's Hall of Good Omen"
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1177. Narcissus Bowl. Red stamped factory mark Wu Yuan Kum Made on the base. Dated in the calligraphy to the year of xin you (1921). |
| 1922 | |
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1122. Lidded jar. No base mark. Height 12" (30 cm). Dated in the inscription to the ren xu year (1922).
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1146. Soap box with pierced lid. Length 4.75" (12 cm). Dated in the inscription to the ren xu year (1922).
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1165. Lidded bowl with ring handles. Length 4.75" (12 cm). Dated in the inscription to the ren xu year (1922).
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| 1923 | |
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1149. Brush pot with "Schcolars graduation decoration" (fish and dragon). No base mark. Height 5" (12.5 cm). Dated in the inscription to the ren hai year (1923).
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| 1924 | |
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1023. Lidded 'Kamcheng' soup bowl. Height with lid 18 cm, diam 19 cm. Underglaze blue mark on the base: Jiangxi Ciye Gongsi (Jiangxi Procelain company). Dated in the decorative inscription to the jia zi year, meaning "1924". |
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1123. Large vase. Height 22.5". Iron red mark stamped on the base " ... Zhen Pin" meaning " ... Precious Product". Dated in the inscription to the jia zi year, meaning "1924". |
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1172. Ginger jar, with the Chinese cyclical date jia zi in the inscription, meaning 1924.
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 Artist name: Su Gong(?) Yue |
1192. Soy sauce ewer, with the Chinese cyclical date jia zi (1924) in the inscription. Stamped base mark Cheng Long Wan Pin "Successful Grand Joyful Product". The mark, Wan Pin literal direct translation is Play Item. Here it should means collector or souvenir item. The artist name is Su Gong(?) Yue.
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| 1925 | |
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1128. Hat stand or Vase. Red stamped illeglible base mark. Inscription with a cyclic date Yi chou (1925) zhi (year) Dong (winter) yue (month). |
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628. Wu Lun Tu ( "Five Relations" motif). Dated in the inscription as Yi Chou Nian i.e. "1925", no mark. |
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990. Bowl dated "1925" in the inscription. Mark: company "yen sen sen".
This piece is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection by N K Koh, Singapore, 2004. |
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1118. Large Kamcheng missing its lid. Height 5 7/8" (15 cm), Width 8 1/4" (21 cm). Six character iron red stamped mark on the base, Jiangxi Yu Yuan Chang Zuo where Jiangxi is the province where most of the Chinese porcelain industry is located, Yu is a name meaning 'gold', Yuan is a name, meaning 'first' or 'primary', Chang, is a name, meaning 'prosperous' and zuo meaning 'workshop'. The base mark which thus could be translated as Jiangxi (province) 'Yu Yuan Chang' (name) Workshop is noticeable a little bit smaller than expected in a way similar to that of the #1112 (1929). Tentative dated in the calligraphy to the yi chou year (1925).
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1168. Small teapot with upright standing handle. Height 4" (10 cm). Four character iron red stamped mark on the base. Dated in the calligraphy to the yi chou year (1925).
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| 1926 | |
| The Provincial Kiln Industry School was moved to Jingdezhen and renamed the Jingdezhen Provincial Ceramic School. | |
| 1928 | |
| Wang Qi, Wang Yeting and six others formed "The Full Moon Society" (Yueyuan Hui), later known as the "Eight Friends of Zhushan". | |
| 1929 | |
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704. Xin Mei Di Luo / Ji Nian / Ying Gong Zeng / 1929.4 - (To my) lovely sister Di Luo (girl's name) as a memory of Ying Gong (man's name) given 1929.4. |
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828. Bowl. Underglaze blue mark on the base: Jiangxi Ciye Gongsi (Jiangxi Procelain company). Dated in the decorative calligraphy to the year of ji ci (1929).
This item is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection. |
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1112. Vase or Hatstand. Four character iron red stamped mark on the base: Yang Yong Xing Fa (same Yong Xing Fa occurs in the inscription) where Yang is a surname probably of the artist, and Yong Xing Fa is the 'company' name. Dated in the calligraphy to the year of ji ci (1929). Inscription: yuan (distant), pu (shore), X, fan ("sails"), X, X, qiu (autumn) shi (time/period) ji si (1929), ?? in margin, yong (eternal), xing (happy), fa (South chinese name for 'company'), xie (written by). Yang was either employed by the Yong Xing Fa Company or the factory owner. Porcelain factory owners were often good porcelain painters in those days.
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| 1931 | |
| Fuliang County Ceramic Vocational School was established. | |
| 1933 | |
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994. Dated in the inscription "1933". |
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999. Brush washer dish, dated in the inscription as the year gui you, meaning "1933". Red base mark of Han qing. |
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1000. Brush washer dish, dated in the inscription as the year gui you, meaning "1933". Red base mark of Yi chun. |
| 1934 | |
| Inauguration of the Jiangxi Pottery Manufacture Authority, with Du Zhongyuan appointed Director-general. | |
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649. Covered tea mug with handle. Red base mark "Min Guo Nian San Nian Zhi" meaning "Chinese Republic twenty three year Make". The 23rd year is 1911+23=1934. Double foot rim. Soft enamels with a metallic sheen. Glossy black calligrahy. |
| 1935 | |
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630. Dated in the inscription Republic 23rd year March Lin Dong made in Nanchong, Since 1912 was counted as year 1, the 23rd year is 1912-23=1935. Mark: Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi - "Guangxu period (1875-1908) made". |
| 1936 | |
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631. Dated in the inscription to 1936. Mark: Made in China |
| 1937 | |
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1082. Dated in the inscription to the ding chou year, meaning 1937. Base mark is Ping Shan, by Wang Ye Ping, or Wang Ping. Landscape specialist and one of the 'Eight Friends'. |
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1604. Red base mark Guan yao nei zao (Imperial Kiln for Inner Palace). Dated in the inscription to the ding chou 丁丑 year, meaning 1937. 作於珠山" translates to "Made in Zhu Shan," and "春" translates to "Spring. |
| 1940 | |
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645. Dated in the inscription to the 29th year of the Republic (1940). "Hong Jun ( Artist name ) self made in Jingzhen ( Zingdezhen )". Base Mark: "Ji Feng" (Artist's second name). |
| 1942 | |
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650. Vase with red figure, painted by one of the Eight Friends of Shushan. Dated 1942 in the inscription. |
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966. Vase. Export porcelain. Dated 1942 in the inscription. Shows signs on having been treated to look old. Documented to have been in the family, at least as early as 1957. |
| 1943 | |
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1050. Brush holder with figure. Mark Jiangxi Zhen Pin meaning "Jiangxi Precious Product". Dated '1943', in the inscription. |
| 1945 | |
| The Jiujiang Provincial Ceramic Vocational School merged with the County Ceramic Vocational School under the name of the Provincial Ceramic Institute. | |
| 1947 | |
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646. Dated "Spring 1947, Liu Ke Rui painted at Zhu Shan". (Zhu Shan or Pearl Hill is the area of the former Imperial porcelain factory in Jingdezhen.)
This item is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection. |
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657. Dish. Double foot rim. Reddish border over black decoration. Multi colored and freely blended enamels. No base mark. |
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991. Bowl, Hand written iron red base mark: Jiangxi Ciye Gongsi meaning "Jiangxi Porcelain company". Diameter 12 cm. Dated in the inscription to the 36th year of the Chinese republic (1912+35), meaning 1947.
This item is donated to the gotheborg.com reference collection by N K Koh, Singapore, 2004. |
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1169. Square brush pot. Hand written iron red base mark: Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi "Great Qing dynasty, Qianlong Period Make". Height 6 inches / 15.5 cm. The inscription reads qiu (autumn) shen (deep) cui (blue green/kingfisher) niao (bird) xia (descends) xun (seeking) hua (flowers); (xunhua also means 'seeking sex') minguo (Peoples Republic) 36 nian (year) yu (at) Zhushan; Year corresponding to 1947. The painted red seal is meant to read shangpin (superior object). The other panel repeats the latter: made in 1947 at Zhushan. The entire poem could be translated: The blue green Kingfisher descends in his search for flowers in the late autumn
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The marks section of Gotheborg.com was initially established in May 2000 thanks to a generous donation of approximately one hundred images of Japanese porcelain marks, by Karl-Hans Schneider from Euskirchen, Germany. This contribution provided a modest yet substantial beginning of the Marks Section. It was a kind gesture that I really appreciated.
Of the many later contributors, I would especially want to mention Albert Becker, Somerset, UK, who was the first to help with some translations and comments on the Japanese marks. His work was then greatly extended by Ms. Gloria S. Garaventa, after which Mr. John Avery looked into and corrected some of the dates. Most of the Satsuma marks were originally submitted by Ms. Michaela Russell, Brisbane, Australia. A section which was then greatly extended by Ian & Mary Heriot, a large amount of information from which still awaits publication.
A warm thank you also goes to John R. Skeens, Florida, U.S.A., and Toru Yoshikawa for the Kitagawa Togei section, and to Susan Eades for her help and encouragement towards the creation of the Moriyama section. For the last full overhaul of the Satsuma and Kutani sections, thank you to Howard Reed, Australia. The most recent larger contribution was made by Lisa M. Surowiec, New Jersey, USA.
In 2004 and from then on, my warm thank you goes to John Wocher and Howard Reed, whose knowledge and interest have sparked new life into this section and given reason for a new overhaul. Thank you again and thank you to all I have not mentioned here, for all help and interest in and contributions to our knowledge of 20th-century Japanese porcelain.
The Chinese marks section would not have been possible without the dedicated help of Mr. Simon Ng, City University of Hong Kong, whose translations and personal efforts in researching the origin and dates of the different marks have been an invaluable resource. It has since been greatly extended by several contributors such as Cordelia Bay, USA, Walt Brygier, USA, Bonnie Hoffmann, Harmen Lensink, 'Tony' Yalin Zhang, Beijing, 'ScottLoar', Shanghai, Mike Harty, and many more expert members of the Gotheborg Discussion Board.
A number of reference pieces have also been donated by Simon Ng, N K Koh, Singapore, Hans Mueller, USA, Hans Slager, Belgium, William Turnbull, Canada, and Tony Jalin Zhang, Beijing.
All images and text submitted by visitors and published anywhere on this site are and remain the copyrighted property of the submitter and appears here by permission of the owners which can be revoked at any time. All information on this site, that are not specifically referenced to peer reviewed sources, are the personal opinions given in good faith by me, my friends and fellow experts, based on photos and the owners' submitted descriptions. They are not to be used for any financial or commercial decisions, but for educational and personal interest only, and can and will be changed as further information merits.
For further studies, Encyclopedia Britannica is to be recommended in preference to Wikipedia, which, not being peer-reviewed, might contain misleading information.
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