Identification guide
Guangxu mark
A Guangxu mark uses 光緒 for the reign name and 年製 for the making formula; four-character versions leave out the dynasty characters.
Characters and reading order
光緒 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大清光緒年製 reads Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi, made in the Great Qing, Guangxu reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.
Named reign
| Reign | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Guangxu | 光緒 | 1875–1908 |
What to check next
Identify regular script versus seal script before comparing individual strokes. A border, colour or reign inscription does not by itself date the porcelain. Compare the foot, body and decoration; later honouring marks can repeat an earlier emperor’s name.