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Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:23 pm
by tingjunkie
Time for a fun Yixing identification game...
I've bought a good number of teapots over the years from reliable sources, as well as Chinatown shops, antique shops, and internet markets. I'll post a new one each day, and folks can debate if it's an authentic Factory 1-5 pot, or a reproduction. [Edit: For the record, don't be shy about critiquing my pots! They all make excellent tea, which is why I collect them, and their status as collectible Factory pots or not is far less important to me as a tea lover.]
Here's pot #1: 85-90ml Hongni Xian Piao. Authentic Factory pot, or a repro?
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:30 pm
by ShuShu
I’m inclined to say a repro but really not sure
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 8:00 pm
by Bok
Nice topic (and title), that should be fun!
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 9:17 am
by tealifehk
I'm going to say repro, based on the messy stamp. I could be wrong
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 10:23 am
by OldWaysTea
Nice looking photos! I'm looking forward to what people have to say.
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 12:04 pm
by .m.
That sounds fun.
The pot looks good to me. My guess would be white label.
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 3:31 pm
by Chadrinkincat
I'm guessing this one isn't f1. If it is than based on way opening/lip is done it's no older than white sticker.
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 3:54 pm
by tingjunkie
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 4:55 pm
by tingjunkie
tealifehk wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 9:17 am
I'm going to say repro, based on the messy stamp. I could be wrong
I'm trying to learn more about the stamps/chops myself lately. When you say "messy" are you referring to the fact that the outer border of the stamp is connected to the inner border with irregularly shaped blotches? I found a stamp like that on a 70's shui ping listed on Shin Cheng Fang's online store, and my understanding is that he's a very reliable vendor of authentic pots.
I've also read that the 6 character stamps are easier to spot repros than the 4 character stamps. I guess because there was less variation between real ones,but much more variation between real 4 character stamps? If anyone can chime in, I'd love to learn more.
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:29 pm
by Teachronicles
Idk about 1st one but I'm guessing the 2nd is faketory
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:34 pm
by Brent D
First one looks legit.
Second one is bogus
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:41 pm
by tingjunkie
Brent D wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:34 pm
First one looks legit.
Second one is bogus
You sound pretty sure. Can you tell us what details lead you to those conclusions? I'm always trying to learn.
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:58 pm
by Bok
Wait until the experts chime in...
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 12:22 am
by tealifehk
tingjunkie wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 4:55 pm
tealifehk wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 9:17 am
I'm going to say repro, based on the messy stamp. I could be wrong
I'm trying to learn more about the stamps/chops myself lately. When you say "messy" are you referring to the fact that the outer border of the stamp is connected to the inner border with irregularly shaped blotches? I found a stamp like that on a 70's shui ping listed on Shin Cheng Fang's online store, and my understanding is that he's a very reliable vendor of authentic pots.
I've also read that the 6 character stamps are easier to spot repros than the 4 character stamps. I guess because there was less variation between real ones,but much more variation between real 4 character stamps? If anyone can chime in, I'd love to learn more.
Yes, some seals are messier than others and it does depend on period (and specific pots during the period)! Like I said, I could be wrong
If the second pot is a fake, it's a damn good one. I would say #2 is authentic
Re: Factory or Faketory?
Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 12:40 pm
by tingjunkie
I wish I could do a "big reveal" and say the true answers, but I'll wait for some experts to weigh in and confirm what I think. Both pot 1 and 2
feel authentic to me in person, but it doesn't mean they are. As for background, pot #1 was found in an antique shop in Kauai, Hawaii being sold as a "Soy Sauce Container" for $12.
I purchased pot #2 from Hou De back in 2011 for $180, so I really hope it's authentic. Let's try some shui pings...
Pot #3: 65ml zini "Please Drink" teapot. Real or repro?:
I might spring for kintsugi to cover the cracks one day... 
