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I bought these from a person who said she bought them in China in 1986 (There are three groups of these) This one has a character engraved into it. She was told this was during the cultural revolution to devalue or deface them.
Is there anything you can tell me about these -- their marks, age etc. Also has anyone heard of this kind of defacing of antique porcelain in this way?

There are two so I have one face up and the other face down in each picture.

Thank you for any help and insights.

That engraved character was meant to mark the owner of the dish where communal eating was common in the Chinese extended family or village. It is usually a character of the person's name or just a symbol.

I have a plate that has a J character engraved on the back which reads "ding' (丁) in Chinese.

This has been a practice amongst the common folks for a long time and has nothing to do with the cultural revolution.

Hi Sean

Please refer to my other response re Annamese wares. The "tattooed" markings you refer to are usually the mark of a previous owner, and, to my knowledge, have nothing to do with the cultural revolution when many fine pieces were destroyed.

Regards
Jim

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