The following photos are the usual before and after scenario. I found this piece to have some hidden beauty when it was cleaned back to it's original glaze. I think that the original patina (dirt) of the piece detracted from the subtleties that came through when finally cleaned. I have been suspect to a few Chinese pieces that have added age via fake patinas, this may have been one but I am really unsure though. It is an old piece, just over 100 years old. I have seen various other pieces over the years that look brand new and had no patina whatsoever, luck of the draw I say, possibly luck of the environment would be more apt.
When I was in China a few years back I noticed that a fair few of their local ceramics and terracotta pieces were displayed in open air environments and that this in turn gave the pieces a beautiful eroded look. Also noticed that, when in temples, that pieces are inundated with resinous smoke from incense and such. With temple pieces I have noticed that they actually smell like 80 years worth of incense, sadly, this one did not.
Enjoy.
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| Before. You can see areas around his stomach the original surface of the piece |
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| After. The piece is back to it's original glory. |
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| Detail. |
