Identification guide
Xuande mark
In a Xuande mark, 宣德 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大明宣德年製 reads Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi, made in the Great Ming, Xuande reign.
Characters and reading order
宣德 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大明宣德年製 reads Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi, made in the Great Ming, Xuande reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.
Named reign
| Reign | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Xuande | 宣德 | 1426–1435 |
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.