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You don't need a magnifying glass or a degree in art history to sniff out antique Chinese porcelain! If you've stumbled upon a mysterious vase in Grandma's attic or fallen in love with a decorative dish at a flea market, you've probably asked yourself the fateful question: "Is this real antique Chinese porcelain or some Ikea thing that hasn't aged well?"
Don't panic, we're here to shed some light on this (and no, it doesn't have to be old and Chinese to be worth a fortune). Follow the guide, we'll dissect the clues, lift the veil on the misconceptions and, above all... teach you how not to be fooled.
Before you go treasure hunting at garage sales or auction sites, you need to know what you're actually looking for. Antique Chinese porcelain is a fine ceramic object, often hand-decorated, that dates back several centuries. We're talking about pieces from the Ming, Qing dynasties, or even earlier—just like some antique Chinese fabrics , prized for their patterns and finesse—and not the "Chinese-style" ones sold en masse in the 1980s.
These porcelains have historical, aesthetic, and sometimes even financial value . But be careful: old does not necessarily mean authentic... or expensive.
No need to release the dates drop by drop, but just to give you an idea:
Chinese porcelain is a bit like the caviar of ceramics . It appeared during the Tang dynasty (7th-10th century), exploded with the Song, and reached peaks with the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties .
These dynasties produced pieces of incredible finesse, with techniques so precise that even modern artisans struggle to reproduce them. In short, they're heavyweights.
Before you get out Sherlock's magnifying glass, start with the basics : overall appearance, weight, and feel. These are the first things to consider .
Genuine antique Chinese porcelain is often light, delicate, and translucent. Like traditional Chinese robes , it lets light pass through gracefully: if you place the object facing an intense light source, you'll see a glow filter through. It's like baby's skin: thin but strong.
A bowl that looks like a cinder block is probably not an imperial coin.
Look carefully at the colors. Old pieces often have slightly faded colors , patinated by time.
The blues aren't garish, but rather deep, sometimes with grayish undertones . The red can tend toward brown. And above all: the patterns are hand-painted , with charming little flaws. If it's too perfect, too clean... it's suspicious.
Turn the coin over. The underside is a treasure trove of clues. It often contains markings (acronyms, symbols, or emperors' names), but also traces of wear or firing defects.
Be careful: some modern copies stick on “fake old marks.” Look to see if the signature is under the enamel or over it . If it looks like it was added after the fact… bingo, it’s a fake.
Here we get into the little subtleties that can change everything . Nothing too technical, but precise enough to impress your friends (or avoid throwing a fortune out the window).
Those famous inscriptions in Chinese characters that we often find underneath... they make us dream. And yet, we must be wary of them.
Certainly, some Chinese men's shirts are authentic. But many are homages, copies, or even recent additions. A vase may very well have a "Ming" mark even though it dates from the late 19th century.
What matters? That the mark matches the overall style. If you see a Qing mark on porcelain with flashy colors typical of the 1950s, it smells like a scam.
Some antique porcelains have fine, regular cracks in their glaze. This is called “craquelé.” It's normal, it's natural, and it can even add charm.
On the other hand, an object that is too shiny, without any trace of time , is suspect. Unless it has lived in a climate-controlled vault for 200 years (unlikely), it should show some life.
The craftsmen of the past worked by hand , with lathes that were not always as regular as our modern machines.
The result: a slight asymmetry in a bowl or teapot isn't a defect; it's a sign of authenticity. If everything is perfectly smooth and calibrated, it's a sign of modern industrial production.
This is THE €10,000 question. And no, it's not just a matter of flair or luck. It's mainly a matter of common sense and observation.
For centuries, China has been producing copies of its own works, and even many Chinese costumes inspired by its traditions. Sometimes for export, sometimes just for practice. So this is nothing new.
But since the 20th century, copies, including Chinese disguises, have become more numerous, more accessible, and sometimes very well made. Especially since the internet has been there to sell them at will.
A small detail that is often overlooked: the inside of bowls, vases, or plates . If there are irregularities in the glaze, brush marks, or bubbles, it's a good sign. Modern machines erase all these imperfections.
Some crafty sellers will rub, sand, or artificially dirty their pieces to make them look old. A word of advice: the wear should be consistent . If the underside is extremely damaged but the inside is pristine, there's a problem.
The ideal? Signs of gentle use: small scratches, natural patina, slight discoloration.
Here's a quick overview of the styles you need to shine at dinner parties. You don't need to memorize everything, but here are the major trends .
This is often the most sought-after dynasty. Ming porcelain is refined, simple yet majestic, often adorned with floral or dragon motifs reminiscent of those sometimes found on Chinese kimonos . The cobalt blue on a white background is a signature.
The shapes are full and generous. If you have a room with a blue and white decor that's both deep and soft... you might be onto something.
Here we move on to the full palette. The Qing (especially under the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong) produced ultra-colorful pieces , with green, pink, yellow…
The scenes are more complex: landscapes, animals, scenes from everyday life, everything is there. And the quality is often there.
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, China also produced porcelain for export. The shapes could be adapted to European tastes : plates with coats of arms, coffee cups, etc.
These pieces can be old AND authentic, even if they are less “pure” in terms of traditional Chinese style. Not to be overlooked!
Because we also learn a lot by avoiding traps , here are the mistakes not to make.
An old but ordinary vase remains... ordinary. Age isn't everything. What matters is quality, rarity, style, and demand. For example, Chinese sweaters , even if they're traditional, won't sell if they're poorly made or unoriginal.
A Qing plate with an ugly or poorly painted design will not be popular, even if it dates from 1800.
Let's repeat: the brand name underneath is only a clue , not proof. It's a bit like the logo on a handbag: it could be fake. You always have to cross-reference information.
If in doubt, show the piece to a specialist, an antique dealer, or even on dedicated forums . It's better to come across as a curious person than a pigeon.
Now that you are armed, you still need to know where to find these famous parts .
Yes, there are still some gems lurking on grandmothers' stalls. But you have to arrive early and have a sharp eye.
Platforms like Drouot, Sotheby's, and Christie's regularly offer verified pieces. Prices can soar, but at least you know what you're buying .
China is full of antique coins... but also thousands of copies. Whether you're buying locally or online, check the seller's history, high-resolution photos, and certificates ( see here ).
Recognizing antique Chinese porcelain is a bit like playing detective: you look for clues, you cross-check information, and above all... you take your time.
You don't need to be an expert to get started. All you need is a little curiosity, logic, and a desire to learn . And if you ever stumble upon a treasure? Think of us 😉