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Hello to all!

I just bought 4 pieces of what I believe are Kangi blue/white porcelain from a very nice estate (lots of 18th c. and older antiques of all types).

I'm writing for help with this one large jug that has a hallmark...measures 13.5" (33.75cm) tall. Very fine detail on the landscape design.

Here's a link to detailed photos...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157625220337316/

What does the hallmark say?

What would you call this? Water jug? Wine Jug? I can't find anything of this size or design.

Does the hallmark suggest it is imperial?

It is damaged, the spout was broken off and restored (then the restored spout was damaged), and there is a 1" (2.5cm) long chip just above the foot rim. Should I restore if I plan to sell, or sell as is??

Your help is appreciated.

Regards, Tim

The mark on this pot is shown as No. 1435 in Gerald Davison's recently published 'New and Revised Handbook of Marks on Chinese Ceramics'. It is read as 'Jin Tang Fa Ji', translated as 'Mark of the Splendid Hall of Growing Prosperity', and attributed to the Qing dynasty.

In my opinion, considering its form, flat foot and the small size of its mark with respect the diameter of the base, your pot possibly is 20th century but in any event no older than late 19th century. I've seen these tall teapots with lug ears and bail handles used in restaurants and homes in Southeast Asia, where tea is the staple drink in the absence of a reliable supply of potable drinking water, especially in rural areas.

A 19th century pot of similar form and measuring 42 cm (perhaps including handle) is shown in the 1984 catalog of the K.S. Lo collection of teawares in Hong Kong's Flagstaff House Museum. It also is decorated in underglaze blue, but with a hunting scene.

As always, judgments like these based on photos are tentative at their best.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Further to my comments, here is a comparison of your pot's mark (left) with one attributed to the Qianlong period (right) by a respected Chinese website that records this mark as having been used from the mid-Qing through Republic era. In my opinion, the calligraphy in your mark has more in common with the general late Qing and Republic style of writing kaishu than the more scholarly character forms of the other mark, though I would invite comment of Chinese contributors on this point.

Best regards,

Bill H

The mark reads "Jin Tang Fa Ji" or Splendid Hall of Growing Prosperity. It is not a Kangxi mark but more commonly found on good quality blue and white table wares exported to SE Asia especially Thailand. It is not imperial but good quality export market pieces. I would date around mid 19th century is where it seems most of these pieces date to. More common are lidded teacups and bowls. Often they would have a copper or bronze applied to their rim edges in Thailand.

Thank you Bill and Pyro.

Yes, I have come to terms with the jug being 19th c., but still a nice looking piece despite the damage.

Seems this owner of this estate had more extravagent taste in oil painting than he did with Chinese porcelains, but nevertheless I am happy with what I acquired.

Regards,
Tim

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