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Hello all,

I bought this rather large (well 18" H) phoenix-tail which looks to be in the 'sacrificial blue' tone. Instantly, I recognized the shape but upon inspection on the bottom I found there was no mark, it was unglazed and while the paste is a beautiful pure, white color there is a swirl pattern and the base edges are finished differently than I have ever seen on older pieces in this form. I am just asking other users her who have a better eye who could comment on the piece. It has the nice lip edge between the neck and body as is found on many antique Chinese vases of this shape - it is just the abnormal base that is throwing me off. Is this a modern creation? Any comments are appreciated! Thank you!

The base looks suspiciously like it has been restored; perhaps a hole for lamp wiring that's been filled. Can you see anything to confirm such restoration when you peer inside from the top?

Bill H.

Bill,

Thanks for your reply but there is no restoration from what I can see. Inside there is a very small dot of blue glaze (half a grain of rice size) right on the bottom where a repair would be. I have been struggling to find examples in this color, with this base and I have looked at least 100 examples of this shape from all periods (even checking aliexpress). The foot rim and the base seem to be fairly unique but it is very well potted with excellent proportions (and fits well in my monochrome collection!). Usually there is a straighter foot rim ring with the glaze ending just above but this one is cut on a diagonal and glazed.

I automatically assume it's a modern piece until I work my way down with points of authenticity of age which is why this piece confuses me so much. Would you consider this tone 'sacrificial blue'? I haven't had the opportunity to view or hold a period piece (Ming or Qing) in this color in person so I can't say for sure if the tone fits an antique piece.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated - you're definitely an in house expert here on this topic! Thank you again.

Daniel

Hi,

20th century piece - if this vase stretches even that far..

Regards

Dear Daniel

This is a modern object. The first step you should take is to get used to recognising modern mass produced porcelain from the older stuff - see the overly smooth porcelain, which looks like Plaster of Paris, or like the inside of an aspirin.



Rgds
Jonathan

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