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Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
Jun 283 min read

Guide to identifying imperial marks on Chinese porcelain

In the fascinating world of Chinese porcelain, the markings on these precious objects are a treasure in their own right. Veritable hieroglyphs of history, they enable discerning collectors to trace the origin, period and sometimes even the workshop in which these exceptional pieces were made. But deciphering these enigmatic marks is a delicate art, accessible only to the initiated.


Base of a celadon-glazed baluster vase, China, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, sold for €350,000

Imperial marks are among the most prized by collectors. They indicate that the porcelain was made for the imperial court. The earliest marks date from the Tang dynasty (618-907), but it was under the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) that the use of marks became systematic.


Porcelain from the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644) is famous for its blue and white patterns. Marks from this period are generally in Chinese characters and often indicate the name of the reigning emperor. For example, "大明宣德年制" (Dà Míng Xuāndé nián zhì) means "Made during the Xuande era of the Great Ming Dynasty".


Coins from the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) are varied and often colourful. Typical marks include those of the emperors Kangxi (康熙), Yongzheng (雍正) and Qianlong (乾隆). The marks can be written in regular, sigillary or cursive characters.


Kangxi (1713 - 1722) six-character mark, under the base of a porcelain vase from the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), China, kept at the MET in New-York

These marks are typically composed of six Chinese characters, detailing the dynasty and reign of the emperor. Imagine a reign mark made up of six characters, arranged in two vertical columns. Read them from right to left and top to bottom. The first two characters identify the dynasty. Those in the middle, the name of the emperor under whom the coin was made. The last two characters mean "made under the reign of".


In the example below, the two characters on the right indicate "Qing dynasty". Those in the middle say "Qianlong" and those on the left say "Made under". This mark can therefore be translated as "Made under the reign of Qianlong of the Great Qing". This indicates that the piece was made between the middle and end of the 18th century and that it came from imperial production at the time.



Six-character Qianlong mark, proof of imperial provenance, under the base of a porcelain gourd appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, sold for €420,000.


The expansion of the market for Chinese imperial porcelain, fuelled by growing demand and ever-higher prices, has encouraged the rise of apocryphal marks. These fake pieces represent a major challenge for the art market, undermining the value of authentic objects.


To cover their tracks, counterfeiters do not hesitate to artificially age their creations, giving them a deceptive patina that evokes the passage of time. They may also use falsified documents or invented stories to weave a story around the object, making it even more attractive to potential buyers.


While counterfeits, particularly those bearing apocryphal marks, tarnish the image of Chinese imperial porcelain, there are exceptions: some 19th and 20th century pieces, even with apocryphal marks, retain a market value and attract collectors.


Although these pieces are not authentic imperial treasures, they are a fascinating testimony to Chinese history and culture. They reflect the production techniques and artistic styles of the period, offering a valuable insight into the evolution of Chinese porcelain.


Apocryphal Kangxi four-character marks under the bases of a pair of potiches, China, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon and sold for €7,200

Do you own Chinese porcelain and wonder about its authenticity or value? Gauchet Art Asiatique, a recognised expert in the field of Asian art, offers you its services for a complete analysis of your piece.


With our in-depth expertise in the styles, production techniques and imperial marks of the various Chinese dynasties, we can accurately determine the origin and period of your porcelain. Whether it is an imperial piece bearing an official mark or one with an apocryphal mark, we offer you a meticulous analysis and a fair assessment of its market value.


Our team of passionate experts is at your disposal to help you appraise and value your Chinese porcelain. Please do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment or for any further information.





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