Identification guide
Tongzhi mark
In a Tongzhi mark, 同治 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大清同治年製 reads Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi, made in the Great Qing, Tongzhi reign.
Characters and reading order
同治 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大清同治年製 reads Da Qing Tongzhi Nian Zhi, made in the Great Qing, Tongzhi reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.
Named reign
| Reign | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Tongzhi | 同治 | 1862–1874 |
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.