The Most Dangerous Mistakes When Buying Chinese Porcelain

Chinese porcelain is one of the most counterfeited categories in the antique world. Not because it is easy to replicate, but because demand is enormous and buyer knowledge often limited. Even experienced collectors make mistakes. These are the most common — and most costly.

Mistake 1: Trusting the Reign Mark Alone

The mark on the base of a piece of Chinese porcelain is not proof of authenticity. It is a clue — nothing more. Chinese porcelain studios have had a centuries-old tradition of using reign marks from earlier, respected periods as a mark of homage.

A Yongzheng mark on a piece does not mean it dates from the Yongzheng period (1722–1735). It could be 19th-century, 20th-century or contemporary. The mark is the beginning of the investigation, not the end.

Mistake 2: Relying on the Shade of Blue

Cobalt blue is the most copied characteristic of old Chinese porcelain. The colour, depth and ‘heaping and piling’ of old cobalt are indeed distinctive — but only for someone who has seen and handled hundreds of genuine pieces.

From a photograph, the distinction is nearly impossible. In person, with experience, it is more reliable — but still not conclusive as the sole argument.

Mistake 3: Overpaying for ‘Famille Verte’ or ‘Famille Rose’ Without Documentation

These two categories have been heavily reproduced in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries alike. Beautiful famille rose dishes are produced in Jingdezhen at a quality that deceives even trained eyes.

Mistake 4: Failing to Detect Restoration

Well-restored pieces can be invisibly repaired under normal lighting. Under ultraviolet light, restorations fluoresce — modern epoxy reacts differently from old glaze.

A UV lamp costs €15 to €30 and is the best investment for any porcelain buyer. Always use it on pieces above €200.

Mistake 5: Confusing Export Porcelain with Imperial Porcelain

Most Chinese porcelain circulating in Europe is export porcelain — made for the European market, not for the Chinese emperor or elite. It is interesting and sometimes valuable, but it is a different category entirely.

Imperial porcelain with proven court provenance is rare, expensive and barely circulates outside major auction houses. If someone offers you ‘imperial porcelain’ at a flea market or for a modest price, it is not.

Mistake 6: Misinterpreting Auction Results

One exceptional auction result does not establish a market price. Look at multiple comparable pieces over several years. And remember: auction results are hammer prices inclusive of buyer’s premium — the net proceeds for the seller are lower.