Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Dragon Yuhuchunping. This style of vase originated from the Tang Dynasty and was originally a vessel for holding purifying water for religious purposes. The vase has a refined finish and is adorned with a dragon. The vase ages well due to the thickness of the glaze and appears almost new to the naked eye. The dragon is a symbol of power and vivacity. The style of dragon on this vase is distinctive to Yuan Dynasty. Persian cobalt is used for the underglaze blue coloring. This is a type of cobalt available only during the Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. It is identified by its brilliant sapphire-like tone, together with its characteristic “heap and pile” effect due to the diffusion of the pigments. More importantly, as later discussed in the identifications section, the development of net-like corrosion lines and crystals. It is commonly believed that Yuan blue and white porcelains are extremely rare. Only about three hundred pieces exist in museums globally. However, we believe a fair number of these vessels exists in private collections in the western world since many were exported during the opening up of China in the late 70s and early 80s. Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Background. The current Chinese antiques market is flooded with fake Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelains. Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelains were unknown in China until 1957 when an American, Professor Pope published his discoveries based on museum collections in Turkey and Iran. Before then, these porcelains were commonly regarded as inferior artefacts and many were exported to the western world. With the opening of China, large number of reproductions of Yuan blue and white porcelains were made in the 80s for export. Accordingly, any Yuan Dynasty style porcelain that is more than 50 years old is unlikely to be fake. Moreover, almost all Yuan blue and white use Persian cobalt for the blue pigmentation. Persian cobalt was imported to China during the Yuan and early Ming dynasties, and the supply was completely exhausted during the Chenghua era in the middle of the Ming Dynasty. So if a piece of Yuan style porcelain bears traits of Persian cobalt, then it can be definitively identified as genuine Yuan Dynasty artefact. Persian cobalt vessels can be easily identified through microscopic examination. After centuries of aging, the iron molecules and other impurities migrate to the surface of the glaze, forming crystals as well as brown veils within the glaze. Net-like corrosion patterns may also develop. These age signs cannot be duplicated with modern manufacturing techniques. Any effort in producing fake crystals and other old age features would immediately be recognizable using a microscope. Microscopic Identification and Age Signs. Microscopic examination is used to positively identify the period and age of this Yuan vase. The following microscopic features evidence the ancient nature of this porcelain vessel. The underglaze blue pigments are formulated with Persian cobalt. It is identified by color diffusion, deposits of impurities, and most importantly, formation of brown plumes with crystals in areas of thick pigmentation. The attached microscope pictures show distinct crystals that require several hundred years to form, attesting to the age of this vase. This type of cobalt came from the middle east and was available only during the Yuan dynasty and early part of Ming dynasty, up to the middle of the Chenghua era. The presence of Persian cobalt provides evidence that this cup is from either the Yuan or Ming dynasty since it has never been successfully duplicated with modern technology. Net like corrosion patterns have formed within the Persian cobalt rust spot. These patterns are found together with crystals mentioned above. These corrosion lines are typically found on ancient porcelains several hundred years old. These are formedfrom migration of impurities within the glaze to the interior of bubbles. This phenomenon is found only on ancientporcelains and cannot be correctly reproduced on modern copies. Corrosion pits cover the surface of the glaze. These pits only appear on porcelains several hundred years old. Red iron oxide grains are found on the foot rim. These are formed as a result of seepage of iron oxide molecules that coagulate on unglazed surfaces. These can be found on ancient porcelains from the middle of the Qing dynasty and older. All of the above old age signs are evident on the attached microscope pictures. For background on Chinese antiques authentication, see the article “Unveiling the Authenticity of Ancient Porcelains” on this page. Height 27.5cm 10.8 inches. The vase is in very fine condition with no cracks or breakages.
