Identification guide
Chinese pottery marks identification
With Chinese pottery marks identification, Mark colour alone does not select a production period. Four-character formulas omit the dynasty.
Reading the formula
大清乾隆年製 reads Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi: made in the Great Qing, Qianlong reign. Four-character formulas omit the dynasty. In vertical layouts, read columns top to bottom from the right; seal script can differ markedly from everyday character forms.
Common Qing reign names
| Name | Characters | Reign years |
|---|---|---|
| Kangxi | 康熙 | 1662–1722 |
| Yongzheng | 雍正 | 1723–1735 |
| Qianlong | 乾隆 | 1736–1795 |
| Jiaqing | 嘉慶 | 1796–1820 |
What to check next
A reign mark can be contemporary with the named reign or an honouring mark on later porcelain. Read the inscription first, then compare the body, foot and decoration. Mark colour alone does not select a production period.
Related marks
2 marks