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Subject:hallmark
Posted By: fmt888 Wed, Sep 25, 2019 IP: 68.199.200.98

Could someone please help read these 2 stamped hallmarks on yin-yang porcelain bowl.
Thank you in advance.





Subject:Re: hallmark
Posted By: Bill H Thu, Sep 26, 2019

Thank you for the good photos. The apocryphal Ming reign mark (nianhao) on this Chinese bowl is contained within circular borders suggestive of the pearl of wisdom surrounded by undulating dragons and maybe a few flaming clouds. The four characters inside it read down and across from the right as 'Yong-le Nian Zhi' (永樂年製), 'Made during the Yongle Reign', which ran from 1403-1424 and produced some of the most celebrated religious and other bronzes ever made in China.

Underneath the nianhao is an auspicious mark, reading down and across from the right as 'Shang-ci Zheng He' (賞暘鄭和), meaning 'A gift or reward bestowed by Zheng He', the latter individual being the famed admiral and explorer of the early Ming period. This metaphoric saying might be heard (or seen) on happy occasions when a boss dishes out awards to their minions.

While the base-marks seem to be stamps or decals, the blue & white motif within the interior looks to me like it probably is hand-painted. The website gotheborg.com shows a blue & white teacup with the same style mark (having better formed dragons) on the inside bottom. Their cup is dated to the mid-20th century, and there's no reason to believe yours wasn't made about that time or a little later.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Subject:Re: hallmark
Posted By: fmt888 Sat, Sep 28, 2019

Thank you Bill for your help
Your sharing of your knowledge on Chinese porcelain marks is much appreciated.


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