An 18th-century vase. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Feng Songlin, a researcher of the institute, says there hasn't been an omnipotent method for dating, and the RHX dating method is still under development because comparisons should be made among enough samples from different time periods and kilns in different areas.

Li Ganglong, chairman of Royal Heritage Cultural Industry Group that owns the authentication company, says they have been researching on the RHX dating for a decade. He says the method can roughly determines the age of a ceramic sample and to know its kiln of birth and artistic features, it still relies on the appraisal of ceramic experts.

At the signing ceremony, several ceramics that had been authenticated by Royal Heritage were on show. They will be auctioned in Hong Kong at the end of this month.