Overview
This is a Chinese porcelain piece bearing a distinctive iron-red factory mark from the historic kilns of Jingdezhen. The mark reads 'Zhongguo Jingdezhen Zhi' (Made in Jingdezhen, China) arranged around a stylized mountain shape representing Mount Jiangxia, accompanied by the factory letter 'N' and factory number '12'.
Story
In the 1970s, China reopened its ancient kilns to the global market, blending centuries-old porcelain techniques with state-run factory production. This mark represents a fascinating era where individual artists worked in collective state factories, signing their wares with coded letters and numbers.
Maker / Origin
Jingdezhen has been the undisputed 'Porcelain Capital' of the world for over 1,700 years, supplying imperial courts from the Han dynasty onward. In the mid-to-late 20th century, the industry was reorganized into large state-run factories (numbered 1 through 14, plus lettered divisions), which produced high-quality hand-painted export wares that kept ancient decorative traditions alive.
Condition & Value
The porcelain body shown around the mark appears clean, bright, and free of hairline cracks. The iron-red mark is crisp and legible, which is highly desirable for collectors tracking specific factory codes. Excellent condition of the overall vessel's decoration will preserve its maximum value.