Authenticate Chinese Masterpieces Northern Song Dynasty Ding Kiln Imperial Tribute Kundika Vessel

[@joncan2348]

As usual very informative videos. You should also discuss how the patina or glow of a genuine ancient pottery peice is also one of the clues in authenticating it. Also the balanced and beautiful forms of authenticate pieces that conform to the Golden Ratio.

[@chinesemasterpieces]

Hi Jon I'm not sure what you mean about the glow can you explain exactly what your referring to. Thank You

[@joncan2348]

@@chinesemasterpieces Porcelain takes on a patina over time, just like in furniture. The air, particles or elements in the environment, handling and even light will change the surface of porcelain over a long period of time. This is called the patina. In Chinese this is called bow guang or treasure glow. Comparing a freshly fired new piece of porcelain to a 100, 200,...,1,000 year old piece, at each age, the surface will look different -- assuming the old comparison piece have all been untouched since made -- i.e. hoard pieces, but not tomb or excavated pieces. The surface of the geniune antique pieces would be more mellow and takes on a pleasing softer glow. The older the piece, the more mellow and the more it glows. In contrast to a brand new piece that has a really bright and harsh shine to it. Of course, fakers will take down the shine with acid, sanding, etc. Tomb or excavated pieces are a different story because of the harsh element exposures, the surface patina reflects this -- there would be clear glaze deteoriations, encrustation, etc. Two more imporatnt clues to determining the age of ancient pieces of porcelains are bubbles and cracks. The cracks in genuine porcelain/pottery pieces have a larger gap inside the cracks and are filled with natural particles and elements from the air that have penetrated and settled inside the crack over a very long period of time ( >500 years). The cracks are also not straight, but slightly meandering. The older a piece, the larger the bubbles grow and surfaces. Some even explode or burst. This is evident in Song pieces. Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules. These characteristics can be observed with a powerful lit magnifier.

[@chinesemasterpieces]

@@joncan2348 This can be a little misleading about handling ware on old pieces. I understand what you are saying but this can be more confusing to collectors that have not handled thousands of pieces. My collection has been put together from pieces that have been hoarded away in boxes that the Chinese people have been hiding for centuries. When China opened up in the 90s many exquisite pieces have reached the marketplace that show hardly any handling ware. I'm afraid this may confuse collectors to expect to see something very clear and could easily cost them to pass on very important pieces. This is why I try to point out certain things that are indisputable and can't be faked.