Marks on Peoples Ware - minyao - from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

On the whole the subject of marks on Chinese porcelain is a difficult one and the Mine Dynasty is not different in that respect. The one simplifying factor is that the number of marks are less then from the later period by the simple reason that the majority of marks have not yet been invented. What is imperial as in made specifically for the emperor or the court, or court related, or any Imperial property or relatives etc is very uncertain. One can be specific and say that nothing except was was particularly designed and ordered from the Forbidden City / Imperial Court in Beijing is Guan Yao, and nothing else. However in reality this is not as easy as it might sound. The Empire was large, the heaven was high and the Emperor far away, most of the time, meaning that a lot of things could and did happen that was not entirely after the book and when we now look at the extant examples of a time long gone by I feel that it is better that we look into our self and feel what we think is right and representative for the period we are interested in then approaching it the other way round, and try to squeeze pieces into a period where they might comfortable fit, just because of a mark. All marks listed on this page are listed as a best guess on period, meaning and translation. Corrections will be made as new information merits. For anyone interested in marks not listed here - to add or discuss - I recommend that you become a member of the Gotheborg Discussion Board where a wealth of information is available among a large community of interested collectors.

Jan-Erik Nilsson
gotheborg.com

Hongwu 1368-1398
	Hongwu 1368-1398

Yongle 1403-1424
>	Yongle 1403-1424

Xuande 1426-1435
	Xuande 1426-1435

Chenghua 1465-1487
	Chenghua 1465-1487

Hongzhi 1488-1505
	Hongzhi 1488-1505

Zhengde 1506-1521
	Zhengde 1506-1521

Jiajing 1522-1566
	Jiajing 1522-1566
	736. Fu Gui Jia Qi - 'Excellent Wares for the Wealthy Nobility' or 'Beautiful Vessel for the Rich and Honorable'. An auspicious inscription on folk wares, mostly seen on blue-and-white porcelain made in Jingdezhen in the Jiajing and Wanli reigns of the Ming dynasty and also seen on wares with gilt designs produced in the Jiajing reign. Chakra or, the flaming wheel-design on the inside. Estimated date C. 1600 according to some sources but probably Jiajing. Coll: Musée Antoine Lécuyer of Saint-Quentin (Aisne), France. Click here to see large picture
	1371. Fu Gui Jia Qi - 'Good and Valuable Ware for the Wealthy' or 'Beautiful Vessel for the Rich and Honorable'. An auspicious inscription on folk wares, mostly seen on blue-and-white porcelain made in Jingdezhen in the Jiajing and Wanli reigns of the Ming dynasty and also seen on wares with gilt designs produced in the Jiajing reign. Click here to see large picture

Longqing 1567-1572
	Longqing 1567-1572

Wanli 1573-1620
	Wanli 1573-1620

Tianqi 1621-1627
	Tianqi 1621-1627

Chongzhen 1628-1644
	Chongzhen 1628-1644

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