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While we’ve discussed it before, it is worth revisiting Jingdezhen’s ongoing significance during the Ming Dynasty. The city of Jingdezhen remained the undisputed center of porcelain production during the Ming period, playing a vital role in the development of new techniques and styles and the mass production of porcelain for domestic and international markets. The consistent output of high quality pottery from Jingdezhen made it the central element of ceramic production in China for centuries. The imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, which were directly controlled by the Ming court, continued to be the focus of technical innovation and the creation of high-quality wares. These workshops were the source of some of the most important and influential pieces of pottery of the time. The economic importance of Jingdezhen also continued to grow during the Ming period, as its ceramics were widely traded throughout China and across the globe. The technical and artistic innovations that took place in Jingdezhen during the Ming Dynasty had a profound and lasting impact on the world of ceramics. The legacy of Jingdezhen as the center of Chinese porcelain production continues to this day, and this makes an understanding of its role during the Ming period essential to understanding the overall history of ceramic production in China. |
Tag : Ming Jingdezhen, Chinese porcelain, pottery center, ancient kilns, ceramic production
While we have touched on geometric patterns, let's focus on the significance of geometric designs in Ming ceramics beyond the creation of simple repeating patterns. Yuan potters often incorporated geometric designs to create structure, balance, and a sense of order within their decorative schemes and the use of these types of patterns often served to complement and also to highlight the overall design choices of any given piece.
"Kraak" porcelain, a term derived from the Dutch word for a type of ship, refers to a specific style of late Ming blue and white porcelain that was produced specifically for export, and these pieces are an important example of the cross cultural exchange that occurred through trade and commerce.
While previously mentioned, it is helpful to revisit the specific techniques that were used to produce a turquoise-blue style glaze in the Ming era. While not as common as other colors, some Ming potters achieved beautiful and unique shades of turquoise blue, showcasing their technical skill and experimental approach to glaze development.
While the vibrant turquoise glazes are often associated with other periods, some Ming Dynasty potters experimented with achieving similar effects, using variations of cobalt and copper in their glaze mixtures. These pieces, while rare, show that potters during this period were still experimenting with and exploring the possibilities of different color combinations and techniques.
While Buddhism was a major influence, Daoist symbolism also appeared on some Ming Dynasty ceramics, reflecting the influence of this ancient Chinese philosophy on daily life. The Daoist symbols that appear on these pieces are an important aspect of the overall visual language that was being used during this time.