Old Limoges Small Scalloped Plates. Circa: pre-1930s, France.
Approx. diameter: 5-7/8” to 5-3/4” inches
Very unusual set of Carl Knoll porcelain saucers. Asian motif. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century, Europe.
A very nice 19th century English Transferware Saucer, with Registry mark. Dated 1847. Soft blue/magenta decorations.
Form versus Style in Asian Ceramics
A lot of ceramic specialists would rely on the “form” or “shape” of a vase to determine its authenticity. I realize that particular method is a bit difficult for me to do, as I’m not really good with memorizing shapes *grin*. So, I’ve decided awhile ago to attack the Asian ceramics from another point of view - Style.
It is not easy to imitate a person’s style. While one can mold and copy the “form” of another ceramic piece, copying another person’s style is quite different. Yes, there are painters who specialize in imitations; and those artists are regarded as the cream of the crops, not your average painters.
Several years ago, I obtained an Asian piece and I was taken in by its style. The dish was a bit crude and the color was slightly thin.
BUT looking at the artwork, one can tell the artist was “dancing” on the ceramic surface. The uninterrupted curvy lines, the pressure applied on the brush, and its free movement, all indicate signs of experience and confidence. Mass production artists do not seem to have that — they’re very good with copying, but there is no life, energy, or a sense of direction in repetitions…
That is one dead giveaway when comes to determining authenticity.
This Chinese polychrome saucer has that export-ware look. The soft glaze feel a bit warm and smooth.
An elegant Asian Blue White Saucer-Bowl with diffused patterns. It looks like the potter intentionally left the paint wet, in order to achieve that “diffused” effect. I imagine this type of saucer was used to serve side-dishes or relishes. The base has an unpretentious feel to it. Most modern reproduction try to imitate that light orange hue near the base rim… I don’t think they could do it. Authentic pieces always have that unforced, natural look. Only the fake ones try so hard to be something they’re not; and it shows.
