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Website thumbnail for article “Chinese vs Japanese Porcelain – How to Tell the Difference” with author photo and Antiques Arena branding

How to Tell the Difference Between Chinese and Japanese Porcelain (1700s to 1900s)

September 6, 2025

Distinguishing Chinese from Japanese porcelain can be challenging, but there are reliable clues in decoration, glaze, shape, bases, and marks. Chinese porcelain often shows symmetrical designs, pastel famille rose enamels, and unglazed foot rims with kiln grit, while Japanese porcelain favors asymmetry, bold Imari colors, and stilt marks on the base. This guide explores 300 years of styles, export patterns, and regional traditions to help you confidently identify the origin of your porcelain.

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Thumbnail showing cloisonné vase and wirework process for article titled “What Is Cloisonné”

What is Cloisonné?

August 1, 2025

Cloisonné is an ancient enameling technique that fuses powdered glass into intricate wire-framed designs on metal. This definitive guide explores its history, craftsmanship, cultural origins, market value, restoration, and how to identify authentic cloisonné — from imperial Chinese masterpieces to modern collectibles.

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Walter O'Neill standing beside rare Yixing teapot discovered at a South Wales car boot sale

The Mystery of the Car Boot Teapot: Fact, Fake, or Forgotten Master?

July 17, 2025

When a £3 teapot from a South Wales car boot sale turned out to resemble the work of Yi Yun — one of China’s leading Yixing clay masters — I set out on a journey to uncover the truth. What followed was days of research, museum comparisons, and expert outreach, all pointing to a possible hidden treasure. Could this humble find be a lost masterpiece?

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Has eBay Ruined the Antique Trade?

June 11, 2025

Has eBay ruined the antique trade — or revolutionized it? With nearly 30 years in the business, Walter O’Neill of AntiquesArena.com dives deep into how eBay has transformed antique selling. From global reach and learning tools to oversupply, fakes, and rising fees, this no-fluff article lays out the real impact of eBay on today’s antique market — from someone who’s lived it.

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🧭 The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Early Delftware

May 12, 2025

Discover how to identify authentic 18th-century Delftware with this comprehensive guide. Learn to distinguish Dutch and English styles, recognize key features like tin glaze and spur marks, and understand how condition and decoration influence value—perfect for collectors, historians, and antique enthusiasts.

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This Simple Hack Cleared My Death Pile and Made Me Cash Fast

April 5, 2025

Struggling to shift low value items on eBay or Marketplace? In this article, I share one of the best tips I’ve used in nearly 30 years of reselling — a simple trick that can help you sell multiple unsellable items fast, save time, and boost your profits. This works for eBay, Facebook, car boot sales and more.

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Understanding Foxing in Artwork: Causes, Identification, Prevention, and Treatment

March 27, 2025

Foxing—those brown spots that tarnish watercolor paintings and prints—can silently erode the beauty and value of your artwork. This guide explains what causes foxing, how to identify and remove it, and most importantly, how to protect your collection with proper storage, framing, and shipping techniques. Learn expert tips to prevent foxing in watercolor paintings and preserve your art for generations.

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