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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. Ming ceramics that depicted scholarly themes often included motifs such as bamboo, pine, plum blossoms, and calligraphy brushes, which all had symbolic meaning for members of the intellectual and artistic elite. The use of these images demonstrated a link between the everyday lives of scholars and the pottery pieces that they often used. These pieces also sometimes included depictions of scholarly pursuits, such as reading, writing, or playing the qin (a Chinese zither) which provided a window into the daily lives of scholars during the period. The use of refined forms, subtle glazes, and delicate details on these types of pieces often reflected the refined tastes and aesthetic preferences of scholars and members of the intellectual classes at this time. The recurring appearance of scholarly elements in Ming ceramics highlights the importance of intellectual life and traditional values during this period in Chinese history. |
Tag : Ming scholarly themes, Chinese pottery, intellectual symbols, ancient motifs, academic art
While we touched on Lapis, let’s examine how it impacted blue applications on Ming ceramics. The desire to emulate the rich blue of Lapis Lazuli prompted Ming potters to push the boundaries of cobalt underglaze techniques, and to explore new methods of applying their blue glazes to achieve a depth and visual power that was similar to the natural gem.
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 Ming Dynasty is renowned for its exquisite blue and white porcelain, which reached new heights of technical and artistic achievement during this period. Building upon the foundations laid in the Yuan Dynasty, Ming potters refined the use of cobalt under a clear glaze, creating pieces that were characterized by their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and technical perfection. Blue and white wares dominated porcelain production during the Ming, becoming a defining symbol of Chinese ceramic artistry.
While often used in combination with other colors, some Ming Dynasty potters also explored the creation of pure yellow monochrome glazes, achieving a range of tones from pale lemon to deep golden yellow. The use of pure yellow in these pieces demonstrates another way that potters explored the possibilities of different types of colour.
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.