Antique Chinese and Japanese Porcelain collector's help and info page

GLOSSARY

Iridescence

The rainbow-like play of different colors created by a coating of metallic oxides, an effect sometimes seen in authentic lead glazes from the Han and the Tang dynasties. Also occuring as a halo particularly around the blue enamel on famille verte porcelain of the Kangxi period. This effect is difficult to copy correctly and is generally a good sign of age.

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