.

When it comes to determining authenticity, the final say is of course having the scientific process of thermoluminescent (TL) testing performed.  This requires a larger piece since it's considered a destructive process. Sadly, this leaves the authenticity of the smaller and more fragile pieces in question.

Since my collection, or collective method actually,  is based largely on visual appearance, I thought it might be a good idea to share some of the pieces that fooled me in the past. It's better to be saved by criticism than ruined by praise, so I will begin by criticising myself. We really learn by our mistakes (hopefully) and usually don't broadcast them to others. I'm in the broadcast mode here  and hope this will help other collectors.

About 2 years ago I was assisting an individual on a piece they had.  It was a very large platter that was classic fourteenth century and seemed to have a provenance to accompany it. Papers and photos in the family for almost 60 years showing the purchase from an English estate dating back to the 16th century. This estate was connected to other world famous collections as well. But even without the background, I staked my reputation on it being authentic and quite possibly fourteenth century. Going on this assumption, my suggestion was to have Oxford Authentication run TL testing on it. Here are just a few images to give you an idea of what I was working with.

.

.

.

This next image shows the drilling to collect the sample.

.

Here's the core taken....

.

Long story short, less than 100 years old. This piece was obviously made to deceive. It fooled me completely. But it also serves as an example to the art and capability of the fakers. I know it to be at least 60 years old since there are notarized inventory papers listing it from the owner's estate. If the fakers were this good 60 years ago, you can imagine how good they are today.

Don't feel bad if you get fooled, we all take a loss now and then. It can range from the fakers in the world of Chinese porcelain, right down to your local auto mechanic.

TL testing is not available for the smaller, more fragile pieces, so naturally the fakers focus in that area. Much safer for them. But you can still take steps to avoid being cheated.

And speaking of being cheated, you might find this next link of interest. Be sure to study closely all properties of any piece. In this case, even the dealer may not have been aware.

Suspicious Yuan Stem Cups

Over the years I've collected hundreds of images from museums and private collections world wide. When I examine any new (or suspect) piece, I have a good source of reference in these images, as well as my regular library of books. I encourage the reader to do the same.

Back to Main Page

.