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While we touched on textures earlier, let's focus on textured glazes beyond monochrome applications. Ming potters experimented with a wide range of textured glazes, often in combination with multiple colours, creating a visually rich and dynamic surface that moved beyond the traditional approach to pottery design. Textured glazes often involved the use of multiple layers of different glaze materials, allowing for a variety of effects that varied from subtle variations in tone to more dramatic and pronounced surface undulations. Techniques such as crackling, crazing, and intentional pitting added another dimension of visual and tactile interest to Ming ceramic pieces, and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the way in which different materials can interact during the firing process. The interplay of texture and color created a unique visual effect, enhancing the complexity and beauty of these types of pottery pieces. The exploration of textured glazes demonstrates the experimental and innovative nature of Ming potters and their willingness to push the boundaries of their craft. |
Tag : Ming textured glazes, Chinese pottery, ancient techniques, glaze effects, surface variation
We've touched on Wanli before, but it's useful to revisit the significance of his period specifically in relation to trade. The Wanli reign (1572-1620) saw the continued expansion of the Chinese porcelain trade, and many pieces produced during this time were specifically designed to meet the demands of export markets around the world. This period of high volume pottery production was key to the economic prosperity of the region and demonstrates the importance of pottery in international commerce.
While Blanc de Chine is most closely associated with later periods, the foundations for this type of white porcelain were laid during the late Ming Dynasty. Potters in Dehua, Fujian province, began to develop the unique clay bodies and techniques that would eventually give rise to the famous Blanc de Chine wares, and these early examples of white pottery production are an important part of the overall development of this particular style.
Early Ming blue and white porcelain (1368-1521) established the foundation for later ceramic innovation, showcasing refined cobalt underglaze techniques, bold designs, and diverse natural and symbolic motifs.
The Chenghua reign (1465-1487) is renowned for its delicate and refined porcelain, including the iconic "chicken cups", characterized by pale blue colors, subtle designs, and exquisite doucai technique.
While Buddhism was a major influence, it's worth specifically looking at how other religious imagery appeared in Ming ceramics. Beyond Buddhist symbols, Ming Dynasty ceramics sometimes featured motifs and figures from Daoism, Confucianism, and even popular folk religions, showcasing the complex religious landscape of the time, and the ways that different traditions were often integrated into common and everyday styles and practices.