Signs of Wear
Antique porcelain showcases many different signs of age. This includes signs of wear depending on how long it has been used, kept, or displayed. Aside from authenticating marks, experts know how to identify signs of wear on antique porcelain.
Though replicas or fakes are very rampant, experts know what to look for. They developed tests and techniques to determine these. Unfortunately, replica experts have also found ways to pass these tests.
But one of the difficult aspects to replicate are the signs of wear.
Scratches
For antique porcelain, one common sign of wear is scratches or scuffs. These often appear when the antique was constantly utilized.
Some plates have scratches because of the repeated use of utensils over the surface. Plates and mixing bowls usually have these marks.
If the scratch marks exist, experts measure the signs of wear by percentage.
Nicks and Chips
Like all items, some pieces of porcelain get nicks and chips due to mishandling or human errors. These are not usually visible at first glance. But by swiping your fingers over them, one can feel these rough spots on the surface.
Sometimes, these are caused by the constant rubbing of two pieces together. This could happen while in transport or when placing antiques side by side.
Decoration Wear
Not all antique porcelain have decorations. However, a lot of them, especially after the Ming dynasty, had colors and other designs. Gold, silver, and even platinum were a few elements added to the antiques.
But despite these aesthetic additions, the antique porcelain would still show signs of wear over time.
Metallic rims, or even gold and silver luster may diminish as time passes. Compared to a display piece, the gilt or on-glaze decor of constantly-used antiques may disappear or fade faster.
Paint wear usually occurs when painted decor is applied after glazing. Since it is over the glaze, it is understandable that it wears out first.
Stains
Just like any other item, when antique porcelain is exposed to water, stains can appear and remain permanently. This may also appear when a piece has been buried for a long period. Water stains, as they call them, appear to be rough white stains on porcelain.
Food stains can only appear if the porcelain was used for such purposes. Usually, stains come with other defects like cracks, crazes, or unglazed parts where the food stain appeared.
Glaze Deterioration
One of the common signs of wear is glaze deterioration. Paint and decal deterioration is common but only at a certain percentage. Unless a piece has been exposed to water for a long period, then glaze may diminish.
The discoloration is also possible depending on what elements the antiques were exposed to. Shipwreck pieces that have been under the sea for hundreds of years could have little to no glaze at all. The white and blue colors often get diluted, and some of the designs may disappear.
Amazingly, pieces are usually left intact and still have patterns left from their original designs. Ceramics or porcelain are durable, and thanks to glazing, it helps extend its durability. This sign of wear is amongst the hardest to imitate.
For pieces buried underground, different types of glaze deterioration were observed. Some would have lots of stains, while other antiques with less glaze only had portions with stains.
Signs of wear all differ according to the type of exposure an antique has undergone. Most often, pieces that were loved, displayed, and used, would show more signs of wear. This is compared to pieces that have been kept or hidden.
Faking Signs of Wear
Those who try to imitate antique porcelain pieces find all the means to add different signs of wear. Scratches, cracks, and crazes are a few that they try to replicate.
They do this by using sandpaper or scratching pieces with pebbles. Some use brown paper with oil to produce effects of wearing.
One must know and fully understand how wearing occurs to be able to avoid these fake pieces. Signs of wear are generally challenging to replicate. However, imitators may use other methods like stories and word of mouth to make one believe in its authenticity.
Repairs
Although some pieces are authentic, a few owners have gone to the extent of repairing damages and signs of wear. One can observe this by using a black light to determine which parts of an antique were recently fixed.
Yes, some owners have tried to repair chips and cracks so they can sell their pieces at a much higher value. This is especially true if a damaged piece would cost or be valued less than a perfect one.
Today, a lot of people purchase antiques at a great value, even with their imperfections. Cracks, nicks, and signs of wear may no longer matter today. What is valued is the art that existed for hundreds of years.