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Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Handed down in the family. Are these markings replicated or original? What is this brass or copper? Sorry any idea there is a crack in the top of vase and inside is old and different colouring if that makes sense ? Would this be called a vase or something else? Should I have this looked at by a antique dealer or is there something particular I should be looking for? Thanks in advance! Look forward to your replies

This brass or bronze vase vase is a 20th century or later reproduction with a Ming Xuande mark that typically would have been copied through the lost wax method from another mark that itself was not true to a Ming original.

Any time you see one of these marks with the "De" (virtue) character "德" (with a horizontal line between the 'eyes' and the 'heart'), then the piece is not Ming. The "De" character used during that dynasty was "徳", without the line. But keep in mind, the latter character was carried over by the Japanese and remains the preferred variant in use in that country until the present day.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Hello Bill,
Thank you very much for this information it I appreciate it very much. This is very interesting when mentioning Japan as this was brought back from Japan by a relative around 1947 with other items they acquired whilst serving in the army. I really appreciate your detailed response.

Hi- I have vase with the “De” character as it was used during the Xuande period. Does this mean it is Ming? Thanks for any help you can give .

In a word, no! Identification of Xuande bronzes with the correct de character still depend on judgment of their casting and stylistic qualities done by experts who can actually handle the pieces.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Can you recommend somebody?

Major auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's offer free evaluations of of whether submitted items meet their minimum auction values. You'll find contact instructions on their websites.

If you wish to make a new and separate posting here in the forum with good pictures, some of the advanced collectors who contribute here may be able to save you the trouble by identifying the more obvious stylistic or casting issues.

Up to you.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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