Some people say that there are fewer and fewer real antiques nowadays. However, this perception often stems from a lack of keen observation. In today’s market, with the scarcity of intact antiques, even fragments of ancient porcelain hold significant value. These fragments, once overlooked, are now prized for their unique beauty and craftsmanship.
The new appreciation for porcelain fragments has led to their use in modern ornaments. These pieces, transformed into fashionable and minimalist accessories, have become popular among those with a literary and artistic bent. The detailed craftsmanship of ancient porcelain, including meticulous brushwork and subtle color shading, is difficult to replicate today, adding to their allure.
Incompleteness can sometimes be a different kind of beauty. As we admire these fragments, we can imagine their journey through time—drawn, colored, glazed, fired, sold, used, broken, buried, and finally unearthed to be appreciated by future generations. Each piece tells a story, embodying a sense of reincarnation and history.
Over the past decade, the collection market has grown significantly, with porcelain collections accounting for more than 30% of the market. At a London auction in 2010, a “Qianlong Pastel Hollow Porcelain Vase from the Qing Dynasty” sold for nearly 550 million yuan, setting a record for the most expensive Chinese artwork. This event greatly increased domestic enthusiasm for ceramic collections. Experts predict that ancient porcelain may soon see a surge in prices, following the trend set by Chinese calligraphy and paintings.
There is a saying in the collecting community: “Porcelain with flaws isn’t worth a cent.” This highlights how traditional Chinese collectors value the integrity and beauty of objects. Damage can significantly reduce both their ornamental and market value.
Porcelain is notoriously difficult to collect due to its vulnerability during firing, transportation, and use. Despite centuries of wars and changes, very few pieces have survived intact. Major museums around the world often only have a limited number of famous kiln pieces in their collections.
However, even rare, incomplete porcelains from notable eras can still command high market value due to their scarcity and historical significance. Advances in technology have enabled countries in Europe to use high-tech methods and new materials to fully restore damaged artifacts. Given the importance placed on porcelain repair in China, it is expected that highly skilled professionals will soon restore these pieces to their former glory.
For instance, at Sotheby’s spring auction in London in 2012, a large fragment of a Ming Dynasty Xuande cloud and dragon pattern porcelain sold for 15 million yuan. Another porcelain piece with similar patterns from the Ming and Xuande periods fetched 360,000 yuan at a 2011 auction.
