Identifying the age of porcelain collections is a crucial process, often referred to as determining the "generation" or period. For example, if a piece comes from the same kiln, it's classified into different generations based on its production era. Longquan kiln porcelain, for instance, was produced during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.
Accurately dating a piece requires distinguishing whether it belongs to the Song, Yuan, or Ming Dynasty. The Jingdezhen porcelain industry flourished during the Ming and Qing periods. However, due to the similarity between royal porcelain styles in these two dynasties, identifying which period a piece truly belongs to can be quite challenging. Historically, collectors often grouped similar pieces from different periods together. For example, early Ming blue-and-white porcelain was frequently misclassified as "Yongxuan," while multicolored wares were often labeled as "Jia Li," showing how difficult this process could be.
This challenge mirrors the balance between truth and perception—two sides of the same issue. In academic circles, there are established, though informal, guidelines for dating ceramics. Artifacts before the Ming Dynasty are typically identified by their dynasty. For longer-lasting dynasties like the Tang and Song, it’s possible to further divide them into early, middle, and late periods.
In identification, special attention should be given to objects that have inscriptions indicating an exact date, as these are the most scientifically valuable. From the Ming to the Qing Dynasties, it became essential to identify not just the dynasty but also the specific emperor's reign, such as Xuande, Chenghua, Kangxi, or Jiaqing. Simply stating "Ming" or "Qing" was no longer sufficient. Similarly, dynasties like the Jiajing, Wanli, and Kangxi periods of the Ming and Qing could be further divided into early, middle, and late phases.
The difference between dating and authenticity lies in the fact that some ancient ceramics may not be genuine but still hold historical value. These pieces, even if not authentic, were created by ancient artisans and are considered antiques today. They often carry significant artistic and cultural worth. Examples include Song and Yuan-era imitations of famous kilns, or Ming and Qing imitations of earlier styles, such as Xuande-era copies of Ge Kiln, Yongle-era imitations of Longquan porcelain, Kangxi-era reproductions of Yongle blue-and-white, and Qianlong-era imitations of older kilns.
When identifying such artifacts, it's important to recognize both the original works and their imitations. These pieces, though not always authentic, still have considerable value in terms of collection, research, and exhibition. They offer insight into the craftsmanship and aesthetic preferences of past eras.
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