Yongle mark

Characters and reading order

永樂 is the reign name. Yongle marks are associated with a four-character formula 永樂年製, Yongle Nian Zhi, made in the Yongle reign. In a vertical arrangement read each column top to bottom, starting at the right.

Named reign

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.