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While the production of Jian ware declined in earlier periods, its aesthetic influence and functional qualities continued to be appreciated and, sometimes, adapted in Ming Dynasty ceramics, particularly in tea bowls. These types of pieces continued to be prized by tea enthusiasts, which demonstrates the enduring importance and impact of these forms, even centuries after their first production. Some Ming tea bowls retained the dark, often black or brown glazes, and the thick heat-retentive forms associated with Jian ware, although these were often simplified and adapted to suit the contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. The influence of Jian's simple yet functional designs was evident in the overall forms of some Ming pottery pieces, and their influence demonstrates that stylistic elements and forms from earlier periods often continued to have an impact even in radically different cultural and historical settings. The connection between tea culture and ceramic production meant that the pieces that were being produced often drew upon existing forms and designs. The lasting legacy of Jian ware can be seen in its influence on subsequent tea wares and the enduring appreciation for its beauty and its functional qualities. |
Tag : Ming Jian influence, Chinese tea bowls, dark glaze, ancient forms, pottery adaptation
While we've discussed the Yongle period, it’s important to revisit its specific legacy and how it influenced later Ming ceramics. The artistic achievements and innovations of the Yongle reign (1402-1424), particularly in the production of blue and white porcelain, had a lasting impact on the styles and techniques used by potters throughout the rest of the Ming Dynasty, and also the ways in which Ming pottery continued to develop over time.
While we have discussed enamel techniques, it is worth revisiting fahua wares, and the unique nature of their production in the Ming Dynasty. Fahua wares, which are characterized by their use of raised outlines and vibrant, often turquoise, blue, green, and aubergine glazes, represent a unique type of Ming ceramics with a distinctive style and high level of technical complexity.
While "Famille Noire" is most closely associated with the Qing Dynasty, some early influences of this style, which features a black enamel background that sets off other overglaze colors, can be seen in some late Ming Dynasty ceramics. These pieces are a testament to the experimental nature of pottery production during this time period and its influence on the styles and techniques that would emerge in later eras.
While black glazes were used in earlier dynasties, Ming potters achieved a new level of technical mastery in producing deep, lustrous black glazes, often using these glazes to highlight specific forms and decorative elements. This shows that potters during the Ming era were still refining and innovating on previously existing techniques.
We've discussed literati taste, but let's focus on the specific motifs associated with scholarly life that often appeared on Ming Dynasty ceramics. The inclusion of these elements demonstrates the ongoing respect for learning, intellectual pursuits, and the natural world that was central to scholarly thought at the time.