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While we've mentioned precious materials, it is worth delving deeper into the use of gilding on Ming ceramics. The application of gold leaf or gold paint was used on some Ming Dynasty ceramics to add a touch of luxury and visual opulence. Gilding was often used to highlight decorative elements and to add to the sense of refinement that is a key element of Ming dynasty porcelain production. Gilding was often applied in delicate patterns or highlights, creating a sense of richness and visual depth to the design scheme. The use of gold was a way to emphasize the symbolic importance of particular motifs or design elements and their application demonstrates the importance of precious metals in the overall art and culture of the period. The meticulous application of gilding required a high level of craftsmanship, as the gold had to be applied evenly and carefully to achieve the desired effect. The presence of gilding on Ming ceramics underscores the influence of luxury and prestige on the design and production of these pieces and shows the close relationship between ceramic and other artistic forms. |
Tag : Ming gilding, Chinese pottery, gold leaf, ancient techniques, luxurious art
Ming Dynasty porcelain often includes marks and inscriptions, such as reign marks, potters' marks, and dedication marks, which offer vital information about the origin, dating, and purpose of these ceramics.
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.
While we’ve addressed Jingdezhen before, it is useful to revisit its significance as a global center during the Ming Dynasty. The kilns of Jingdezhen, as the most important site for ceramic production at this time, not only supplied pottery for domestic markets, but also for international trade as well, and its influence was felt throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and it remains the heart of Chinese pottery production even today.
While we've touched on calligraphy's influence, it's worth revisiting specifically how it impacted Ming ceramics. Though less common than in some other art forms, the aesthetic principles of Chinese calligraphy, with its emphasis on brushstrokes, balance, and fluid lines, subtly influenced the design and decoration of some Ming pottery. The connection is often indirect, but still a key underlying element of the overall aesthetic sensibility of the time.
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.