How do you identify fine china?
Markings on fine china may appear as an impressed stamp added to the piece before its first firing and embedded into the clay, a hand-incised mark in the clay, or a mark painted under or over the glaze. Painted over-glaze marks usually include the artist’s initials or mark added during decoration of the piece.
How do you identify a Chinese makers mark?
The first place to look for a reign mark on a Chinese piece of porcelain is the bottom of the item. If you do not see a reign mark here, check the mouth of the item, or the exterior of the base.
What is the china mark?
As a general rule the plain “CHINA” mark came into use after 1891 when US federal law required all imports to be marked with their country of origin. The addition of “MADE IN” was required from 1919.
What are porcelain marks?
Porcelain marks are the fingerprints of antique china. For any piece of fine china, the porcelain mark is a symbol of pride in the manufacturer’s workmanship. It is intended to instill confidence in the buyer, and inspire a sense of loyalty in the heart of the satisfied collector.
Is my fine china worth anything?
Antique fine bone china can be worth a lot of money, especially when it’s a rare piece from a renowned manufacturer. To make sure it’s fine bone china, hold it up to the light. If it has a translucent, almost see-through quality, then it is.
What kind of marks are on fine china?
About Markings on Fine China 1 Imprinted, Impressed, or Painted Marks. Markings on fine china may appear as an impressed stamp added to the piece before its first firing and embedded into the clay, a hand-incised 2 Hallmarks or Maker’s Marks. 3 Country of Origin Marks. 4 Mold or Pattern Marks. 5 The Oldest European Mark.
Where do you find hallmark marks on China?
Hallmarks or Maker’s Marks. Also called backstamps, these markings may be found on the bottom of a vase or figurine or on the bottoms of china plates, saucers or cups. Once you’ve found the mark, you can compare it to databases with symbols of antique marks, collectors’ websites, books — or even check with sites that offer replacement pieces.
When do you put under glaze marks on China?
Under-glaze marks occur after the first firing, but before the second glaze firing. Fine Chinese china that’s thousands of years old may not have any identifiable markings at all, so you’ll need the services of a professional. Potteries and manufacturers use a variety of symbols, letters or images to denote their creation of fine china.
What does a decorator’s Mark on China mean?
A decorator’s mark may indicate the name of an importer. If you suspect the china is old or collectible and have narrowed down a word or two to go along with the crown, look up the word on a replacement china website or on a china collector’s information site.