Song Dynasty (960–1271 AD): Plum Vase, Pear-shaped Vase, Cong-shaped Vase, and Double-Gourd Vase ($1,700-6,400). Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD): Beaker or Flaring Vase and Garlic-Mouth or Garlic-Head-shaped Vase ($5,800-37,000). Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD): Moonflask or Pilgrim Flask Vase, Globular Vase, and Sleeve or Rolwagen Vase ($1,200-1,800). Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 AD): Willow Leaf Vase, Rouleau Vase, Phoenix-Tail or Yen-Yen Vase, and Mallet-Shaped Vase ($5,500-42,500). Yongzheng Period (Qing Dynasty, 1723–1735 AD): Lobed or Begonia-Shaped Vase and Pomegranate Vase. Qianlong Period (Qing Dynasty, 1736–1795 AD): Double or Conjoined Vase, Hundred Deer Vase, or Rotating Vase.

Yongzheng Period (Qing Dynasty, 1723–1735 AD): Lobed or Begonia-Shaped Vase and Pomegranate Vase. Qianlong Period (Qing Dynasty, 1736–1795 AD): Double or Conjoined Vase, Hundred Deer Vase, or Rotating Vase.

For example, Ming Dynasty blues look slightly blotchy because the cobalt clumped together, whereas late Qing Dynasty blues have a uniform hue. [4] X Research source Besides the typical blue paint on white porcelain, some ancient vases use red paint or a red and green underglaze. Each source of cobalt contained different mineral impurities, meaning vases can be dated based on the look, flaws, and chemical composition of the paint.

Early Qing Dynasty vases have smoother, denser, and whiter foot rims than in the late Qing era. Vases made between the late Ming Dynasty and the Transition Period have a super-white paste and visible knife trims on the underside. Some vases may also show small notches around the base from pernettes (ceramics stilts) used to support the vases during firing.

Three-colored vases: These vases have a distinct green, amber, and creamy white color (Tang Dynasty, 618–907 AD). Monochromatic vases: Look for silver, white, gray, or jade tones covering the entire vase (Song Dynasty, 960–1279 AD). Celadon vases: These vases mostly appear pale jade, but they can also be pale gray, ivory, or blue (Tang era, 618 – 684 AD). Crackle vases: Look for crackles in the glaze made by the rapid cooling technique used in the Song Dynasty and afterward (960–1279 AD). Blue and white vases with clear glaze: This style emerged in the 9th century, but is most associated with the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). Flambé glaze: Look for red, purple, or bluish tones from the copper in the glaze. Jun vases: These have a blue tone with hints of purple. Look for fine cracks in the glaze to prove its authenticity (Tang and Song Dynasties). Five-colored vases: The glaze during the Kangxi period (1662–1722 AD) uses enamel to achieve striking bright colors, like peach or pink.

Porcelain from the 18th century should be flawless since this was the peak of ceramic production in China. Earlier vases may have miniscule defects.

Flowers are the most common design motif on Chinese vases. Popular images include peonies, crab apple trees, hibiscus, roses, orchids, lotus, and jasmine. If a vase doesn’t have decorations that were common in the Song Dynasty or later, it’s likely not genuine.

Discoloration: Glaze or paint shouldn’t show significant discoloration unless the vase was in the soil or sea for hundreds of years. Crackles in the glaze: Crackles are often added by forgers, but genuine antique crackles may turn yellow or brown over time. Rust spots: Look for tiny spots of rust on the surface of ancient vases caused by iron residue moving to the surface of the ceramic. Glaze contractions: Search for small holes or recesses in the surface of the porcelain. These indicate the vase was made prior to the 18th century. On-glaze decorations: Vases with paint over the first coat of glaze may show discoloration if the vase was used for storage.

Sometimes, the reign mark names the correct emperor but was added later. These marks are called apocryphal and are less valuable than originals. Experts examine the shade of cobalt blue used to make the mark to determine legitimacy. Some also test the calligraphy strokes for authenticity. Not all genuine vases have a reign mark.

Thicker, heavier vases might be Japanese porcelain marketed as Chinese to trick unknowing buyers. [13] X Research source Experts can also examine the glaze for forced aging techniques like acid baths, refiring, and adding fake staple repairs. Some forgers use traditional production methods to create era-appropriate glazes or porcelain.

Certificates of Authenticity from Hong Kong during the 1980s aren’t considered reliable evidence of provenance. From 1954, true antiques made before 1795 cannot legally be removed from China unless they’re affixed with a red wax seal deeming them culturally unimportant. If ownership records claim a vase is ancient and valuable but the vase has a seal, the records may be false.

Sometimes, you can submit photos and other information through an online form to get expert feedback.