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Re: Chinese Four Seasons Jar - Help w/ period / style

Posted By: Tim
Posted Date: Jan 19, 2011 (07:12 PM)

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Bill H.,

Thank you for your reply - I always appreciate your insight. Your point about painted vs. carved sgraffiata is well taken. However, it is difficult for me to make a comparison of my jar with your example given the limited photos.

I do see some similarities, but I'm not sure if that is because they come from the same period or because both pieces emulate Qianlong style. One thing, the feathery manner of my jar is distinctly different than your example - not sure why.

Still, I am wondering if you could provide further explanation regarding some of the more technical components of the jar's construction as it relates to assessing age.

Having read many guides to assessing age/authenticity of Chinese porcelain, I try to abide by the guidelines provided, but realize there are always exceptions.

First, the jar is constructed in two parts (top & bottom adn you can see the seem in the photos) - I have read that this method of constructing jars was abandoned after the 19th c. Is this true?

There is crazing in the green glaze and has an oily reflection that can clearly be seen. I have noticed that these elements are lacking in later 20th c. pieces - is this not a definative characteristic for age?

The white areas of porcelain are very thinly glazed (you can see the texture of the porcelain), and the unglazed areas show 'pig bristle'. Have these elements been replicated in later 20th c. pieces?

Mixing of different color glazes to emphasize shadow (ie. eggplant on the edges of the green lotus leaves on diaper border, underside of lotus leaf on central panel)- I've seen this technique on 19th c. pieces and earlier, but not on copies, but this may be my lack of experience.

Lastly, the foot ring is beautifully polished - silky smooth. Again, I always thought this was a practice found on fine early pieces, not later copies.

Your thoughts? Thank you.

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Re: Re: Chinese Four Seasons Jar - Help w/ period / style - Bill H - Jan 21, 2011 (01:18 AM)