I was introduced today to a new (to me) concept. Someone told me that older pots don't have a personal name stamped in the lid, only newer pots. The bottom shop will say Yixing or the factory, and the lid chop, if anything, will be a factory name, or some sort of identification number.
Anyone heard of this kind of thing, and if so, when did artists start stamping their personal names in the lids? I am trying to date a pot.
Thanks!
Nov 15th, '12, 09:38
Posts: 474
Joined: Oct 6th, '11, 23:01
Location: Hong Kong, next China
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
The number under the lid can mean a number of different things. I've heard different theories, like clay batch number, factory number, size of pot, potter number. I think at certain points, for political reasons, it may have been considered inappropriate for the potter to receive credit.
But definitely there are pots from the mid / late 70s and before which have the potter's name under the lid.
But definitely there are pots from the mid / late 70s and before which have the potter's name under the lid.
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
In the case of yitiaolong sets, the size of the pot is under the lid (1 cup pot has a #1, etc.)
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
I think in other threads, we've seen a couple examples of modern pots that had a number under the lid in an attempt to pass as an older pot...
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
Some CR-period had 3-letter(name) seal put in the lid, many don't have any. During late-70's they used 2-letter(name) and early-80's they put the number in the lid of Shuipings. Don't accuse me of being wrong though, I was being milked at that time 
Earlier than factory-1(1956~1997) did have names in the lid, difference is they used to have one huge seal whereas nowadays many put two seals (family name and given name) in the lids.
Earlier than factory-1(1956~1997) did have names in the lid, difference is they used to have one huge seal whereas nowadays many put two seals (family name and given name) in the lids.
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
http://estimation.mycollect.net/201008/ ... 528127.JPG（ROC, no authentication this time)
http://file2.gucn.com/file2/CurioPicfil ... 42Pic5.jpg （CR）
http://photo.youthwant.com.tw/mine.php? ... 111221&p=1 （qing yin SP, 1975）
http://file2.gucn.com/file2/CurioPicfil ... 42Pic5.jpg （CR）
http://photo.youthwant.com.tw/mine.php? ... 111221&p=1 （qing yin SP, 1975）
Nov 16th, '12, 10:27
Posts: 474
Joined: Oct 6th, '11, 23:01
Location: Hong Kong, next China
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
Great answer. +100 points to Chrl. Thanks for the photos too. Seriously, you rock!
Re: Name inscription in the lid (Yixing)
Some of the specific 70s ones you'll see (both on the 'qing yin' pots and standard pots) are 梅云 (méi yún)， 巧英 (qiǎo yīng)，银凤 (yín fèng)， 惠芳 (huì fāng).
http://forum.potsart.com/viewthread.php?tid=50394
But of course, these seals are widely faked, so if you see a pot with this seal, you can't necessarily assume it's late 70s.
http://forum.potsart.com/viewthread.php?tid=50394
But of course, these seals are widely faked, so if you see a pot with this seal, you can't necessarily assume it's late 70s.