7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying Chinese Export Porcelain on Chairish

Fake Designer Attribution: Be wary of items misrepresenting their origin or attributing them to renowned (but incorrect) designers or periods. Authentic Chinese Export Porcelain has distinct characteristics in its decoration, glaze, and paste that differ from later reproductions or pieces from other regions. Researching specific hallmarks, decorative styles (like Fitzhugh or Rose Medallion), and the quality of enamel work is essential. For instance, the detail in figures and the quality of black enamel can differentiate authentic 18th-century pieces from later copies.

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Sellers may intentionally misrepresent newer reproductions as genuine vintage or antique pieces. Look for signs of age such as crazing (hairline cracks in the glaze), glaze contractions, and subtle imperfections from the firing process. Newer pieces may have a too-perfect glaze or lack these natural aging characteristics. The paste used in older pieces, like Kangxi-era porcelain, was typically very white and refined, whereas later periods might show more impurities.

Unreported Structural Damage: While minor imperfections can be indicative of age, significant, undisclosed damage is a major red flag. Scrutinize all provided photos for cracks, chips, or significant restoration that wasn't clearly disclosed. High-quality fakes may attempt to mimic wear, but substantial structural issues are often easier to spot if the seller is transparent.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Be suspicious if a seller uses professional, high-quality images that appear to be from a renowned gallery or auction house, especially if the item's description is vague or lacks specific provenance. Authentic sellers usually provide their own detailed photographs of the actual item.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: While Chairish facilitates payments securely through its platform, be extremely cautious if a seller requests payment outside of Chairish, especially via check or wire transfer. This is a common tactic to bypass platform protections and often leads to non-delivery of goods or receipt of counterfeit items.

Account Takeover via Phish: Phishing attempts can occur through fake emails or messages that mimic Chairish communications, asking you to 'verify' your account details or click on suspicious links. Always log in directly to your Chairish account through the official website or app to manage your information.

Insurance Claim Extortion: This scam involves a seller falsely claiming an item was damaged during shipping and demanding additional payment or a partial refund beyond the agreed-upon price to 'resolve' the issue, often threatening negative reviews or shipping delays if not paid. Chairish's platform and shipping partners have established procedures for handling damage claims.