Factory or Faketory?

[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?

[ShuShu]

I’m inclined to say a repro but really not sure

[Bok]

Nice topic (and title), that should be fun!

[tealifehk]

I'm going to say repro, based on the messy stamp. I could be wrong

[OldWaysTea]

Nice looking photos! I'm looking forward to what people have to say.

[.m.]

That sounds fun.
The pot looks good to me. My guess would be white label.

[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.

[tingjunkie]

Pot #2

Let's stick with Xian Piao shape. This one is 105ml zisha. "Shi Xiao-Ma" stamp under lid. It's a single hole, but I installed a custom silver strainer. This is is the only pot in my collection that I've ever dropped and broken, so the handle is JB Welded back together. I might spring for kintsugi to cover the cracks one day...

[tingjunkie]

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.

[Teachronicles]

Idk about 1st one but I'm guessing the 2nd is faketory

[Brent D]

First one looks legit.
Second one is bogus

[tingjunkie]

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.

[Bok]

Wait until the experts chime in...

[tealifehk]

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

[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?: