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Hello,

I'm thinking about buying a vase that's claimed to be made between 1800-1850. It has a red seal mark and some kind of signature on bottom. Please take a look and let me know what you guys think? Is it really made from that period or is it a replica? Thank you!

The red wax seal is an export seal by the Chinese government to indicate that the item is of no cultural interest or value and thus allowed to be exported. It's found an many antiques from the 19th century that was exported overseas. The vase most likely dates to the second half of the 19th century. Can't know what the mark is though.

Hello,

I don't think this site is meant to give advise if you want to purchase an item but I like to tell something about that red seal.
This seal seems to be a " Jian Ding " and is an export approval mark put on by the Chinese state export department or the cultural relics bureau. It was/is put on every old looking piece to show that it is alowed to export. Originally only for pieces made after Qianlong periode, nowdays for pieces made after Qing periode. In practice no pieces older than 100 years gets the seal and most items bearing it can be dated between 1920 and 1950.

regards,

Arjan

Unfortunately your photos are not very good, and it would help to see a complete photo of the foot. And the dimensions might be helpful. But offhand, I think this vase could date to the late 1800's. The red wax seal is an export seal. I'm sure you will receive additional opinions.

These pictures are not good enough. Without enough details such as a close-up on the vase's wall, and a picture of the bottom rim, it is like a quiz and puzzle to evaluate an item basing only on two little unclear pictures!

I would say that this item is most likely old, and it could be as old as Dao Guang(1821 -1850)!

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