Appendix 1            dcl Chinese Antique Research Program

A.  Introduction

       The dcl Chinese Antique Research Department (dcl-CARD) is founded in October, 2005 under the supervision of Steven Ou-Yang, the president of D.C. LED Lighting Technical Co. Ltd. (DCLLT). Mr. Ou -Yang holds a strong passion for artifacts bearing significant historical references and has begun his research in Chinese antiques some twenty years ago.

B.  Research Aim

 1.  Reinforcing advanced understanding of Chinese culture through research targeting high-value Chinese antique circulating on the market.

 2.  Introducing favorable scientific methodologies practiced in research to promote Taiwan’s leading status in Chinese culture studies.

 3.  Establishing a standardized information database based on objective scientific evaluation to increase Chinese antique’s collectible value.

 4.  Raising international recognition of dcl-CARD in the professional field through academic exchange.

C.  Job Titles and Descriptions of the Research Team:

 1.  Director: Steven Ou -Yang, president of DCLLT

       Research direction, funding, equipment design and construction, sample collection

 2.  Examination Division Manager: Tina Wang

       Examining sample type, decoration and inscription

 3.  Appraisement Division Manager: Kay Lu

       Metallograph, fluorescent reflection, optical spectrum analysis

 4.  Comparative Appraisement Division Manager: Karen Huang

       Samples examination and comparison, database management.

 5.  Foreign Language Division Manager: Carrie Chang

       Data organization, translation.

 6.  Information Technology Division Manager: Annie Yin

       Information collecting, website design and photos taking.

 7.  Business Division Manager: Stephen Chang

       Systematic Integration, academic exchange and business promotion

D.  Preliminary Research Projects

       At present, dcl-CARD focuses on underglaze-blue and red porcelains from Yuan (1279-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) Dynasties. Manufactured by both imperial and popular kilns, these precious potteries have received immense recognition over the years and become increasingly demanding on the global market. Preceding installment of systematic evaluation procedures, dcl-CARD stored its porcelain samples, which are four-generation heritages from Mr. Steven Ou -Yang＇s family. Then, dcl-CARD is now constructing a comparable database for cross examinations of porcelain replica and genuine samples.

E.  Research Procedure

 1.  Collecting samples and assigning serial numbers after cleansing.

 2.  First Stage Examination ─ primarily based on personal experience:

(1) Sample form (2) Volume / Weight (3) Decoration (4) Inscription (5) Glaze Coloration (6) Glaze Quality

(7) Clay Color (8) Clay Quality (9) Applied Trimming Tools (10) Iron    Rust.

 3.  Appraisement ─ metallograph、fluorescent reflection and optical spectrum analyses:

(1) Glaze Bubbles (2) Coloration of Merged Iron Rust (3) Glaze and Raw Glaze Material Fluorescent Reflection (4) Glaze Color Spectrum.

 4.  Cross examine samples of flawed porcelain and genuine porcelain.

 5.  Construct a standardized information database including photos and reference data for examined genuine porcelain and its replicas.

F.  First Stage Research Accomplishment: please refer to Appendix 3 for more details

G.  Future Prospect

       Relying solely on private funding, dcl-CARD has come a long way bringing about its recent achievements through collaborate work and commitment of its research team members and under director, Mr. Steven Ou -Yang’s meticulous planning and leadership. Many projects are underway in adjacent to the building of our information database from ground up. We here at dcl-CARD welcome anyone interested in our work to join us exploring the infinite potentials of Chinese cultural studies and future research.

       As we continue on with our field research, integration of previously unaccountable data and information into our work is critical. We believe through academic exchange, we can all benefit from a rapidly developing standardized scientific evaluation system and a comprehensive information database for Chinese antiques. Thus, dcl-CARD will share its valuable assets and resources with prestigious domestic and/ international organizations including museums, associations, communities and private collectors.