Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board

My family received two ancient Chinese vases from our late grandfather. He told us that he had bought the vases back in the 80's from a dealer who said it was from an ancient Chinese dynasty. However, we do not know from which dynasty or exactly how old the vases are. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Unfortunately when purchased, the vase was most likely brand new. The dealer cheated your grandfather. Even though it is older then 30 plus years, it's still considered modern and thus only have decorative value.

This is a modern vase, made in China after 1950's. It is very decorative vase.

Best Regards
Kasem

Hi Ricky,

The mark reads "Tongzhi nian zhi" (made in Tongzhi period) but I think the piece was (about) new when bought in the 80's.

Regards,

Arjan

Mark is poorly stamped meaning "Tongzhi reign made" for Tongzhi reign (1862-1874) of Qing dynasty.

Will leave it to others to express thoughts whether made during that reign. In any case indicates vase is not "ancient," but age at most "antique" (100 years old).

If base is as grimy as in photo, would be suspicious vase was new when you acquired it.

Good luck,
Cal

The base mark says 'Made during the Tongzhi Reign' ['Tongzhi Nian Zhi' (1862-74)]. However, this is a modern-era vase, probably made no earlier than the third quarter of the 20th century or thereafter by one of the factories in Hong Kong or Macau, where Chinese porcelain blanks are decorated and refired. Much of the decoration usually consists of transfers with some overpainting by hand.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board