In 1974 and 1975 thermoluminescence tests were conducted with the purpose of checking the authenticity of a ceramic collection from ancient China (ca. 200 B. C. to A.D. 1400) in possession of the Völkerkundliche Sammlungen in the Reiss-Museum Mannheim. In order not to impair the value of the pieces as art objects, small samples of only 30-50 mg. were taken from hidden places. The authenticity of the major part of the Mannheim collection could be proved, except for two objects which were identified as imitations manufactured probably 50 to 80 years ago. In one of the cases this coincides with the cultural historian's point of view; the second case came as a surprise and still presents some problems of cultural historical interpretation. -- AATA