How do I care for antique ceramic figures?

Keep these pieces away from direct sunlight to protect delicate overglaze enamels and gold leaf details from fading over time. Dust them gently with a soft, dry brush rather than using water or cleaning agents that might harm the glaze. Ensure they sit on stable, level surfaces where vibration cannot cause tipping, particularly for taller sculptures and vases. Handle them infrequently and support the base directly rather than lifting by protruding limbs or delicate accessories.

What is the difference between Famille Rose and Famille Verte?

Famille Rose relies on an opaque pink enamel introduced during the Qing dynasty, allowing for soft tonal shading in robes and floral elements. This palette often includes yellows, turquoise and deep reds. Famille Verte is defined by its vibrant green enamel dominance, originating earlier in the Kangxi period alongside contrasting iron red and blue tones. The visual effect of green families is typically brighter and more translucent than the later rose palette.

Are sancai glazed figures always ancient?

Authentic sancai pottery dates back to early dynasties such as the Tang, featuring lead-glazed earthenware buried in tombs. These early pieces show specific age-related crazing, soil encrustation and weathering. Later revival pieces, such as those made in the Ming style during the twentieth century, replicate the iconic multi-colour lead glazes on newer ceramic bodies. Examining the weight, paste and foot rim helps distinguish ancient originals from later homages.

Why do some European factories feature Chinese figures?

Eighteenth-century European potteries like Worcester and Bow eagerly copied imported Chinese porcelain designs to satisfy fashionable domestic demand for chinoiserie. Artisans painted mandarin patterns and figures onto soft-paste bodies to mimic Eastern luxury goods. Later makers such as Edmé Samson continued this tradition in the nineteenth century by producing direct revival pieces inspired by earlier Asian forms and palettes.