Of all Chinese porcelain marks, reign marks are generally the easiest markings to read as they follow a set format. On each six-character reign mark, the first two characters indicate the dynasty, the second two characters give the name of the Emperor, and the last two characters translate to “made for”.

How do I tell if my Chinese vase is valuable?

Look for a mark on the bottom of the vase. Marks may reflect the name of the company that made the vase, as well as the name of its designer. When the vase has a company name and an artists name, it may be worth more than if it simply has a company name. Marks may be inked, painted or engraved into the bottom.

How do I know if my pottery is Chinese or Japanese?

One of the most telling ways to distinguish whether or not your jar is of Chinese or Japanese origin is to examine the rims and borders of the piece. In the Chinese style, the border is typically decorated in the Ruyi fashion: a colorful, decorative border about one inch in width.

How can you tell Ming porcelain?

The Ming clay bodies seems to contain an iron impurity which makes the unglazed parts of the porcelain body to turn into an rusty iron color when fired. This rusty red color is often seen where the glaze stops short of the foot rim.