Asian Art Guides & Articles

The Emperor’s Colour: Yellow in Chinese Porcelain
In the magnificent history of Chinese porcelain, no colour speaks more eloquently of power and prestige than yellow. At its pinnacle stood the imperial yellow glaze – a luminous, egg-yolk shade that was the emperor’s […]

The Language of Flora: Botanical Symbolism in Chinese Porcelain
The botanical world holds profound symbolic significance in Chinese art, with each plant and flower carrying layers of cultural meaning that transform porcelain decoration into sophisticated visual poetry. These natural motifs speak of human aspirations, […]

Sacred Beasts and Fortune Bearers: The Animal Symbolism of Chinese Porcelain
The rich bestiary of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a sophisticated symbolic language where real and mythical creatures intertwine to create powerful statements about authority, fortune, and cosmic harmony. These animal motifs, developed over centuries of […]

The Eight Treasures: Ancient Symbols of Fortune in Chinese Porcelain
In the intricate world of Chinese decorative arts, few motifs capture the essence of traditional aspirations quite like the Eight Treasures (Babao 八宝). These emblems, deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese material culture, represent […]

Understanding Sacred Symbolism: The Eight Auspicious Symbols in Chinese Porcelain
The rich tapestry of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a profound connection between art and spirituality, most notably in the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Bajixiang 八吉祥). These sacred Buddhist motifs emerged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), representing […]

Decoding the Language of Chinese Porcelain: A Guide to Traditional Symbols
For centuries, Chinese porcelain has served as more than just functional pottery – it has been a canvas for an intricate language of symbols that speak of hopes, beliefs, and cultural values. Each motif carefully […]

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kangxi Porcelain
The Kangxi period (1662-1722) represents one of the most celebrated golden ages in Chinese porcelain production. Under the watchful eye of China’s longest-reigning emperor, the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen achieved unprecedented levels of technical and […]

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Chinese Porcelain
Chinese porcelain stands as one of humanity’s greatest artistic and technological achievements. For centuries, these remarkable pieces have captivated collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts worldwide. Yet despite its enduring fame, many fascinating aspects of Chinese […]

A Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Reign Marks: Memory Tricks for Porcelain Collectors
One of the most daunting aspects of Chinese porcelain identification is learning to recognise reign marks. While experts spend years mastering these distinctive stamps, there are some simple memory tricks that can help beginners spot […]

Understanding Chinese Porcelain: A Value Guide
Chinese porcelain can be found everywhere from car boot sales to Christie’s auctions – but how much is your piece really worth? Whether you’ve inherited a collection or simply picked up an interesting vase at […]

What Makes A Chinese Vase Valuable
Chinese vases have long fascinated collectors, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many owners and enthusiasts, understanding what makes them valuable remains challenging. Whether you’ve inherited a piece or are […]

A Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Porcelain Decoration
Chinese porcelain has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts for centuries, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many, identifying different decoration styles can seem daunting. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom […]