There is a “four-character guide” for choosing porcelain: “Look,” “Listen,” “Compare,” and “Test.”
“Look” means carefully examining the porcelain inside and out. First, check whether the glaze is smooth and glossy, free from scratches, pinholes, black spots, or bubbles. Second, see if the shape is regular and undistorted. Third, inspect the decorative pattern for any damage or flaws. Fourth, examine the base to ensure it is even, sits steadily, and has no rough edges.
“Listen” means gently tapping the porcelain and listening to the sound it produces. If the sound is clear and melodious, it indicates that the porcelain body is fine and dense, without cracks or defects, and has been fully vitrified during high-temperature firing. If the sound is dull, it suggests that the body may be cracked or not fully vitrified. Such porcelain is prone to cracking under temperature changes.
“Compare” means making comparisons. For matching porcelain sets, compare the components to see if their shapes and decorative patterns are harmonious and consistent. This is especially important for blue-and-white or blue-and-white linglong (pierced) porcelain sets. Since the shade of blue varies with the firing temperature, pieces within the same set may differ in color. If there are noticeable differences in the blue hue among several or even dozens of pieces in a set, the value of the set is significantly diminished.
“Test” means testing the lids, assemblies, and functions. Some porcelain pieces come with lids, while others consist of multiple components. When selecting, remember to test-fit the lids and assemble the components to ensure they match properly. Additionally, some porcelain pieces have special functions, such as the Dripping Guanyin, which automatically drips water, or the Nine Dragons Justice Cup, which completely drains when filled to a certain level. Therefore, it is important to test these functions to ensure they work correctly.
