Identification guide
Xuantong mark
With a Xuantong mark, a six-character formula 大清宣統年製 reads Da Qing Xuantong Nian Zhi, made in the Great Qing, Xuantong reign.
Characters and reading order
宣統 is the reign name. A six-character formula 大清宣統年製 reads Da Qing Xuantong Nian Zhi, made in the Great Qing, Xuantong reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.
Named reign
| Reign | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Xuantong | 宣統 | 1909–1911 |
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.