Chinese Transitional Wucai Vase?

[lauren]

I have been getting mixed opinions about this vase.  Any Intel would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Lauren

[peterp]

When you see such a color on the bottom your alarm bells should start ringing. Items with such a bottom are always fakes. Also, on traditional Chinese porcelain there is never such a prominent spiral from throwing on the wheel. Apart from that the colors are also clearly wrong for Ming or Qing. What were you told it is?

[lauren]

Hi Peter,
I went to two mid tier auction houses.  Lets keep them nameless at this juncture in the spirit of professionalism.  Nevertheless, the one in San Francisco agreed with you.  However, the one in Beverly Hills was excited to auction it with a high estimate.  You probably know exactly who I spoke to with you experience :)  I will buy your book soon and I am also reading all of your earlier posts which might take a few weeks since there are quite a few as a result of your valiant philanthropic efforts.  I hope that we can have a few private conversations as well if there is a way to contact you.  Some intel should definitely be public but certain issues I would have to discuss in private if possible.  Meanwhile, I might have 2 or 3 few more items to post if you would be so kind as to give me some color.  I assure you it will not be too many as I know you are busy.  Thank you again for you great insight.
Regards,
Lauren

[lauren]

PS...I forgot to mention that both auction houses had resident "Asian Experts" and a business mix of a high volume of Asian items to auction on a regular basis now and for past decades.  Both houses had their in house expert comment on the vase. Another testament to having to do extremely thorough due diligence in these matters.
Regards,
Lauren

[peterp]

Even in the top tier three international auction houses there is one I have seen fakes. "Experts"also have their limits and specializations, and with second and lower tier auction houses the fakes will increase because they do not have access to the right people.. "Asian" experts will not suffice usually, when it comes to Chinese wares. It must be "Chinese porcelain" specialists. The fact that that porcelain was made much longer in China than elsewhere, and today's rampant faking requires much more study than with others.