MING, CH`ING OR 1986...can you tell the difference?
Experts use certain distinguishing marks to tell the difference between porcelain produced during the different periods.
Ming blue and white of the 1426 to 1435 period is the most highly prized. It has a glazed that is often tinged a soft bluish green. Against this background the dragons and flowers are etched in a deep, luminous blue.
During the late Ming period (1567 to 1643 ) , a lot of porcelain was made in South China and expected through Swatow. Because of this, the porcelain came to be called Swatow ware. The design of Swatow ware include bold drawing of phoenixes and mythical beast dragons and flowers. During the Ch,ing period ( 1644 to 1912 ) , a lot of the production was geared to the export markets of the West. Around this time, Western articles like covered boxes and jars were produced.
In the west, production of blue and white first started in 1709 in meissen. Later several factories sprang up in Venice, Germany, France, and England.
Even till today, original blue and white pieces and reproductions of Ming and Ch,ing are being produced in China, Thailand, Indonesia as well as Europe. Some of the reproductions are so perfect that even expert have trouble telling the difference
WHAT COLLECTORS PRIZE
Reproductions and new pieces are plentiful and cheap, yet collectors track the world and dish out fantastic amounts for the real thing.
According to one such collector,"the blue used today is quite different, for instead of cobalt which is expensive, workers use synthetic dyes.
"The glaze is also much too shiny and sharp, whereas the older pieces have a mellow softness."
Another collector notices a difference in the style of painting. The new pieces are stylistically and carefully painted, whereas the old pieces show a fluidity of line because each artist repeated the design several thousand times so his brush stroke was smooth and natural.
For most, it is mainly because of its covenance. Ming and Ch'ing are treasured because of their association with tradition and history.
Reproductions and new pieces are plentiful and cheap, yet collectors track the world and dish out fantastic amounts for the real thing.
According to one such collector,"the blue used today is quite different, for instead of cobalt which is expensive, workers use synthetic dyes.
"The glaze is also much too shiny and sharp, whereas the older pieces have a mellow softness."
Another collector notices a difference in the style of painting. The new pieces are stylistically and carefully painted, whereas the old pieces show a fluidity of line because each artist repeated the design several thousand times so his brush stroke was smooth and natural.
For most, it is mainly because of its covenance. Ming and Ch'ing are treasured because of their association with tradition and history.
THE NANKING CARGAThe West has always appreciated Chinese blue and white porcelain. But in recent times, the Western markets once again sat up and took notice when Captian Hatcher's cargo was auctioned at Christies for a record US$ 15.3 million.
This cargo which was bound for Amsterdam from Nanking was loaded on the Dutch East India Company ship th Geldermalsen in 1752. The ship never reached its destination but was grounded when it hit a reef in the South China Sea. It was salvaged by Captain Hatcher in 1985.
Ironically, this cargo of rare and now priceless porcelain was not the principal cargo of the ship. It was only loaded as ballast for ship's principal carge, tea and silks. The silks of course were destroyed in the sea water, but fortunately for collectors, the tea leaves acted as a preservative for the glazed surface of the porcelain, so when it was finally salvaged, it was in almost pristine condition.
The 170,000 pieces of blue and white that were meant for the tables of Popes and princes in Europe, finally found their way to the west, only 234 years late.