The Kangxi artemisia mark is a type of reign mark used on Chinese porcelain during the Kangxi period (1662-1722). It is a single artemisia leaf, painted in underglaze blue, enclosed within a double ring. The artemisia leaf is a symbol of longevity and good health, and its use on porcelain is thought to have been intended to bring good fortune to the recipient.
The Kangxi artemisia mark was first used in the early 1660s, during a period when the use of reign marks on porcelain was restricted. This was due to the fact that the Qing dynasty was still in its early stages, and the emperor was concerned about the possibility of his porcelain being broken and discarded. The artemisia mark was seen as a more discreet way of marking porcelain, and it was used on both imperial and non-imperial wares.
The Kangxi Emperor was a patron of arts and crafts, especially porcelain production, and under his reign, the imperial kilns produced some of the most exquisite and innovative porcelain pieces in Chinese history. The Kangxi period is renowned for its remarkable technical advancements and artistic achievements, making these marked artifacts highly sought-after and valuable in today's market.
The Kangxi artemisia mark continued to be used throughout the Kangxi period, and it is one of the most common types of reign mark found on Kangxi porcelain. It is often found on blue and white porcelain, but it can also be found on other types of porcelain, such as polychrome porcelain and famille rose porcelain.
Today, the Kangxi artemisia mark is a highly sought-after mark by collectors of Chinese porcelain. It is a mark that is associated with the highest quality of porcelain, and it is a mark that is believed to bring good fortune to the recipient.
While the Kangxi Artemisia Mark is highly regarded, collectors must remain cautious of replicas and imitations. Over time, the popularity of Kangxi porcelain has led to a surge in counterfeit pieces, attempting to deceive unsuspecting buyers. As a result, experts emphasize the importance of provenance and the expertise of reputable dealers (like Bear and Raven Antiques - shameless plug) when acquiring such pieces.
Here are some additional details about the Kangxi artemisia mark:
- The artemisia leaf is usually painted in a single stroke, and it is often slightly stylized.
- The double ring around the artemisia leaf is usually thin and evenly spaced.
- The mark is usually painted in underglaze blue, but it can also be found in other colors, such as red or black.
- The mark is usually found on the base of the porcelain, but it can also be found on the sides or the interior of the piece.
If you are lucky enough to own a piece of Kangxi porcelain with the artemisia mark, you can be sure that you own a piece of porcelain that is both beautiful and historically significant.
