Identification guide
Jiajing mark
In a Jiajing mark, 嘉靖 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大明嘉靖年製 reads Da Ming Jiajing Nian Zhi, made in the Great Ming, Jiajing reign.
Characters and reading order
嘉靖 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大明嘉靖年製 reads Da Ming Jiajing Nian Zhi, made in the Great Ming, Jiajing reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.
Named reign
| Reign | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Jiajing | 嘉靖 | 1522–1566 |
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.