What's it Worth?

The wonderful thing about Chinese ceramics is the continuity of the shapes, patterns and glazes that are used. However, this also makes dating these pieces extremely difficult. It’s probably safe to say your vase is from the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911). Suzhou, a city on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is renowned for its bridges, pagodas and gardens, but is not known as a major ceramic manufacturing center. While your vase might have been acquired in Suzhou, chances are it was made elsewhere. Is the vase marked on the bottom? Markings may reveal the date or maker of the vase. Have it examined by a curator of Asian ceramics at a large metropolitan museum. You do have a treasure — a special family treasure, and if it dates as far back as the end of the 19th to the early 20th century, its value is $350 to $450, possibly higher.