How to Spot Old Blue and White Porcelain
Because of the countless fakes on the market, it’s important to know what signs might indicate genuine age. Keep in mind: only an expert or laboratory test can confirm authenticity, but these tips can help you decide whether your piece is worth further evaluation.
Key Indicators of Age
- Base Finish
- Turn the piece upside down.
- Unglazed and gritty base → likely old.
- Smooth, glazed base → modern.
- Painting Method
- Use a magnifying glass on the blue decoration.
- Dots or pixel-like patterns → transfer print (modern).
- Continuous brushstrokes → hand-painted (old).
- Edge Quality
- Soft, blurred edges → old.
- Sharp, razor-like edges → modern.
- Line Thickness
- Varied thickness → hand-painted, old.
- Uniform thickness → modern transfer.
- Cobalt Flow
- Look at clouds, bamboo leaves, grasses, whiskers, or feathers.
- Color that fades from dark to light → old.
- Flat, uniform color → modern.
- Symmetry
- Perfectly mirrored sides → modern.
- Slight irregularities → old.
- Diaper Patterns (repeated motifs at the base)
- Identical repeats → modern.
- Subtle differences → old.
- Natural Forms (leaves, flowers, clouds, rocks, birds)
- Identical forms → modern.
- Variation and individuality → old.
- Surface Texture
- Chalky or gritty feel → modern reproduction.
- Smooth, refined surface → old.
- Crackle (fine cracks in glaze)
- Natural, irregular crackle → old.
- Dense, uniform, or abruptly ending crackle → modern imitation.
- Under-Glaze vs. Over-Glaze
- Examine under strong sunlight.
- Blue that recedes into the glaze → old.
- Blue that appears raised above the surface → modern.
- Touch Test
- Gently run a fingernail over the blue decoration.
- Smooth surface → old.
- Raised or bumpy feel → modern.
Final Note
If your piece meets most or all of these criteria, it may be worth consulting an expert or investing in laboratory testing for confirmation. You could send photos to several people on the net for an opinion. If you are in Malaya, I would recommend Singapore. Authentication can be costly, but it’s the only way to be certain.
How Much?
Modern blue and white pieces with a glazed base usually sell for around RM100-RM300 in Southeast Asia
Antique blue and white pieces are usually classified into the period they were made. The older the period the more valuable the piece. An old blue and white piece that has been tested in a lab, authenticated and examined by an expert and proven to be real can bring millions at high end auctions like Sothebys and Christies.
How to Sell
The best place to sell your blue and white piece, after you have gone through the 12 steps as listed above, is to a private buyer. However, to get the best price, you must be able to tell the buyer where the item came from. For example, was it handed down through a family? If so, obtain the name and address of the family and get a receipt from them for the piece. Was it purchased from a shop? Ask the shopkeeper where he purchased the item. Ask him to show you a receipt. Then obtain a detailed receipt from him. Be sure to have him describe the motif like birds, dragons, flowers and other decorations.
Where to Sell
The best place to sell is at an auction. There are many auction houses in Singapore. You can send pictures to the auction house and then, if they accept, mail the item for the next available auction. Mailing costs should be relatively cheap to Singapore. You can explore several of the on line sales venues like Shoppee and E-Bay. Like they say, nothing ventured nothing gained!
Buy Antiques from Individuals
Borneo Artitfacs Lorong 14 Jalan Stampin Kuching 016-892-2223 is the only antique shop that I was able to do business with in Kuching on that particular Saturday. They also have an online presence atAsian antique, tribal arts, cultural ornaments and tradition Please call them for an appointment.
Tom McLaughlin for BorneoHistory.net