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While touched on before, it's worthwhile to revisit the specific legacy of the Wanli period (1572-1620) in Ming ceramic production. The long reign of the Wanli Emperor, while sometimes seen as a period of decline in other areas, also saw the development of new styles and techniques in ceramics, which had a lasting impact on later pottery production, and the pieces that were created during this time are an important element of the overall history of Chinese pottery production. Wanli-era ceramics, despite criticisms, demonstrate the technical skill and innovation of Ming potters, and the pieces produced at this time demonstrate the artistic skill and versatility that were present in the pottery workshops throughout the Ming empire. The influence of Wanli-era designs can be seen in the styles and decorative techniques of later Qing Dynasty ceramics, and the impact of Wanli styles and techniques would have a long lasting impact on pottery production in subsequent generations. The large scale of production and the widespread distribution of Wanli ceramics throughout China and around the world helped to shape the global appreciation for Chinese porcelain. The scale and global reach of pottery produced during this period also demonstrates the growing importance of international trade at this time. The legacy of the Wanli period highlights both the continuity and change in Ming ceramic traditions. |
Tag : Ming Wanli legacy, Chinese pottery, late Ming style, ancient designs, ceramic influence
While the Ming Dynasty saw the flourishing of Chinese tea culture, some late Ming ceramics, particularly those intended for export to Japan, were subtly influenced by the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu). This influence highlights the cross-cultural exchange that occurred through trade and artistic interaction.
While we’ve discussed white wares, it’s worthwhile to focus on the technical development of white glazes during the Ming Dynasty. Potters devoted considerable effort to refining the techniques for creating pure, white glazes that emphasized the beauty of the porcelain body, and the desire to produce pure white glazes meant that potters were constantly experimenting with materials and firing methods.
While blue and white was dominant, it's worth examining the specific technical refinements in the use of underglaze blue during the Ming Dynasty. Ming potters built upon earlier techniques to achieve a higher level of precision, consistency, and a broader range of blue tones, and these technical innovations made for higher quality and more visually beautiful pieces.
While we’ve touched on Islamic influence, it is worth focusing on the specific influence of Islamic calligraphy on Ming ceramics. The flowing lines, geometric patterns, and stylized forms of Islamic calligraphy sometimes appeared on Ming Dynasty pieces, and demonstrate the cross-cultural exchange of artistic techniques and design elements that was occurring during this period.
While the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen were dominant, regional kilns throughout China continued to produce ceramics during the Ming Dynasty, often incorporating local styles and traditions into their designs. These pieces highlight the influence of regional preferences on the development of pottery during this period.