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While "Famille Jaune" enamels are most closely associated with later Qing Dynasty production, some early forms of this style began to appear in the late Ming Dynasty. Potters started to explore the use of yellow as a base color and also to experiment with new colour combinations. The techniques that were developed at this time helped to lay the groundwork for the more fully developed styles of later periods. These early examples featured a variety of overglaze enamels, often in combination with a yellow background, which created a unique visual palette. These pieces reflected the ongoing experimentation with new color combinations and enamel application techniques that occurred during the Ming period. The experimentation that took place during the Ming era led directly to the development of later colour palettes that would be refined over time. The use of new colours like yellow and the way that they were employed provided another way for potters to express their skill and creativity. |
Tag : Ming famille jaune, Chinese pottery, yellow enamels, ancient techniques, overglaze color
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.
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 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 the vibrant turquoise glazes are often associated with other periods, some Ming Dynasty potters experimented with achieving similar effects, using variations of cobalt and copper in their glaze mixtures. These pieces, while rare, show that potters during this period were still experimenting with and exploring the possibilities of different color combinations and techniques.
While Famille Rose is most strongly linked to the Qing Dynasty, some late Ming ceramics began to show elements that foreshadowed this style, with potters experimenting with pink and rose enamels. These pieces are important for understanding the development of enamel techniques during this period and the transition from one dynasty’s styles to the next.