Antique Identification Eighteen Methods (Revised Edition)

Author: Wu Ci, Shengdong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-06-01
Features: Mr. Wu Ci, a renowned connoisseur, possesses unique expertise in identification. This book is a crystallization of their years of connoisseurship experience, employing an accessible yet profound writing style to systematically introduce various techniques in antique identification. The saying goes, "A newly rich homeowner grows tall grass, but an old connoisseur's closet holds treasures." Undoubtedly, the "old connoisseur's closet" contains old collections—such as presenting a Ming dynasty brocade robe, it is undeniable that it is a national treasure. The saying also states, "In times of chaos, gold is valuable; in prosperous times, collecting is cherished." In the early 1960s, during the arduous years of the "Three Years of Famine," people valued life over treasures. My family's precious calligraphy and paintings, as well as ancient ceramics, were stored away, treated as waste. Later, they were destroyed during the "Cultural Revolution"—burned and confiscated. After the old culture was sent to the West, there was a sense of relief. It is also said, "Without destruction, there is no renewal." What was destroyed were objects, but what was established was ambition. "A loss may turn into a gain." Without the pain of loss, one would not appreciate the joy of recovery and the pleasure of collecting! The saying suggests that collecting is not unreachable or unattainable. It is both highbrow and accessible—it requires shelves, cabinets, and boxes, so collecting becomes a part of life, whether consciously or unconsciously, whether in daily items or art. Whether in cities or rural areas, in poor streets or quiet lanes, where there are collectors and collections, there is attraction and elegance, where walls shine and distinguished guests arrive. This is the joy and allure of collecting. The profoundness and continuity of Chinese culture, spanning 7,000 years of civilization, are upheld by the single character "collecting," with millions of hearts nurturing and preserving the essence of culture and the brilliance of history. The joy of collecting is like spring rain nourishing the soul, bringing blessings and fulfilling desires. It rewards those who carry forward the legacy of "tangible history," their hard work, love, and dedication. Collecting is a ladder, a spirit, a culture, and a realm—it guides collectors from ignorance to knowledge, from low to high, from narrow to broad, ultimately reaching a state of enlightenment and transcendence!
The saying reflects on how, in the 1970s, I impulsively collected ordinary empty wine bottles—truly, the meaning was not in the wine. When I finally acquired all eight major brand wine bottles, especially the long-desired bottle, I danced with joy. However, as my collecting level rose to rare ancient books, calligraphy, and ceramics, I realized that my past struggles and poverty, as well as the destruction of the "Cultural Revolution," were foolish and unbearable to recall. Ironically, I, who once viewed old paper piles as outdated and decadent, had finally become a "hero" worthy of recognition, appreciating and valuing rare items. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a school leader, moved by their selflessness and dedication, and donated three Qing dynasty imperial examination scrolls and a stack of Qing dynasty maps to their school. In truth, nothing truly belongs to us—only what we have once possessed. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned about trivial matters, minor errors, or even petty grievances caused by idle talk. Those who have not experienced the joy of collecting are often like this. A friend of mine, known as the "Magnanimous Gentleman," never participated in salary or promotion discussions, which often ended in heated arguments. Later, I learned that he was a collector, transcending worldly concerns.
The saying notes that in the late 1980s, I focused on collecting and studying classical furniture. Interestingly, some chairs and tables transformed from plain wood to redwood, then to precious purple sandalwood. Ordinary huageli became precious huanghuageli. My friend's "fake paintings" turned into "genuine paintings," "foreign ceramics" into Chinese ceramics, "ox horn cups" into rhino horn cups, and "green glass" into emerald gems. All these changes were due to increased understanding, not a change in materials or forced interpretations. The value of a collection is proportional to its rarity and recognition, its age and craftsmanship, and the level of societal development. Van Gogh and Picasso's paintings are worth millions, yet the "Chinese Van Gogh," Shage, was once valued at no more than 100 yuan per piece! Similarly, a Chinese piece may fetch millions abroad but be undervalued domestically—this is a lag in cognition and a numbness of love. As the saying goes, "After long exposure to incense, one no longer smells its fragrance!"
The saying also states, "At midnight, I fear the flowers may fall asleep, so I light candles to illuminate their beauty." Through prolonged care and handling of collections, a collector becomes deeply connected, able to generalize and innovate, and finds immense joy. I once discovered that furniture also has male and female distinctions, leading to a paper titled "Feminine Furniture." After years of interaction with traditional furniture, I identified unique markings of Ningbo-style furniture, publishing "Interpretation of Ji Zi and Bed Patterns in Ningbo Furniture." Traditional Chinese furniture has three major schools, and my book on Ningbo-style furniture is set to change perceptions. "Don't worry about not knowing the goods, just compare them." The scholar named the "Lvyedao Song Chair," but I believe it should be correctly named the "Lvyedao Song Dynasty Stone Bench." Benches were not for daily use but for imperial courts. Later, I found evidence in old documents (detailed in a separate article). The joy of this discovery surpasses the pleasure of collecting empty wine bottles.
Last year, my book "Eighteen Methods of Antique Identification" was published nationwide, bringing great benefits and joy to collectors. The poem in my studio, "Writing Books for a Thousand Measures of Rice, But Love the Goldfish by the Old Pine," reflects this: "A single hand may ring true, and with jade boxes, lock flying dragons." Spring sows, summer reaps; acting with spring winds will bring summer rains." I believe collectors are the world's greatest spiritual and material wealth. The joy of collecting is the greatest achievement and the greatest happiness in life!