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

ReignCharactersReign 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.

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