Markets and tourist shops are full of machine-made souvenirs sold as “handmade”. Here is how to tell the difference before you spend your money.
- Jade — real jade feels cool and dense; ask for a certificate for pieces above souvenir price.
- Embroidery — flip it over: hand embroidery shows knots and irregular thread paths, machine work is uniform.
- Cloisonne — genuine pieces have fine wire lines and slight color variation between cells.
- Porcelain — Jingdezhen originals ring clearly when tapped and have a smooth, glassy foot rim.