|
Color itself held symbolic meaning in Ming Dynasty ceramics, and specific colors were often chosen to convey messages of good fortune, power, prosperity, or spiritual significance. This demonstrates the ongoing importance of colour theory and symbolic understanding in Chinese art during this period. The use of yellow, often associated with the imperial court, conveyed a sense of power, authority, and prestige. Red, a color of good fortune and celebration, was often used on pieces meant for festive occasions or to represent a desire for happiness and prosperity. Blue, often used in conjunction with white in blue and white pottery, was associated with peace, tranquility and a sense of the divine. The intentional use of symbolic colors in Ming ceramics highlights the important role that color played in both the artistic and cultural landscape of the period, and their thoughtful use in pottery design demonstrates the ways that potters made their work both aesthetically pleasing and also culturally significant. |
Tag : Ming symbolic colors, Chinese pottery, color symbolism, ancient art, cultural meaning
While we've discussed black glazes, let's examine the specific use of black as a background in Ming ceramics. This technique, where black was used as a backdrop to highlight other colors or decorative elements, was a popular approach to design during this period, and it shows the ways that colour could be used to highlight certain parts of a piece of pottery while also creating a dramatic and striking visual impact.
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.
While design is important, it's important to recognize the continued emphasis on form during the Ming Dynasty. Potters continued to explore and refine various ceramic forms, creating a range of vessels that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The continued focus on form and shape demonstrates the skill and sophistication of potters during this time.
"Swatow" ware, a term referring to a type of late Ming ceramic produced for export, particularly to Southeast Asia, is characterized by its bold, often roughly painted designs, its thick glazes, and its robust forms, and these pieces often have a more rustic appearance than some of the more delicate and refined pieces that were made during this era.
Ultimately, the enduring legacy of Ming Dynasty ceramics lies not just in their technical achievements, but also in the timeless appeal of their forms, designs, and decorations. The pieces that were created during this time continue to be admired, studied, and collected, and they provide a window into the complex cultural and historical landscape of the Ming Dynasty.