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While iron-red and black are more common, Ming Dynasty potters also explored the use of iron to create a variety of brown glazes, ranging from light tan to deep, almost chocolate brown tones. These variations in tone were the result of different firing conditions and glaze application techniques. The pieces made with these techniques often demonstrate the versatility of the materials that were used during the Ming period. These iron-brown glazes were often used on utilitarian wares, but they were also sometimes employed in more decorative pieces to add a sense of warmth and natural beauty. The use of different firing techniques could create subtle variations in the texture and gloss of iron-brown glazes, adding another dimension to the pieces that were decorated in this way. The creation of consistent iron-brown glazes required a high level of skill and technical knowledge from the potters who made these types of pieces. The study of iron-brown glazes in Ming ceramics demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of iron oxide as a colorant and the importance of understanding different firing methods. |
Tag : Ming iron-brown glaze, Chinese pottery color, ancient techniques, brown tones, ceramic materials
While we've touched on imperial influence, it's worth revisiting the specific impact of the Wanli Emperor (r. 1572-1620) on Ming ceramics. The Wanli period, which was one of the longest of the Ming Dynasty, saw a unique style of ceramic production that reflected the emperor’s personal tastes and the changing economic landscape of the time. The emperor’s preferences had a profound effect on the styles and production methods that were popular during this time period.
Ming Dynasty ceramics are highly valued by collectors and museums for their historical significance, artistic beauty, and technical mastery, requiring detailed knowledge for informed collecting and continued appreciation in the modern world.
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.
While we've touched on animals, it's useful to focus on their specific symbolic meanings in Ming ceramics, and how these meanings might have shaped the choices that were made by potters during this time period. Beyond dragons and phoenixes, a variety of other animals, both real and mythical, were depicted on Ming Dynasty ceramics, each carrying their own symbolic associations and meanings.
While underglaze blue was dominant, Ming potters significantly expanded and refined the use of overglaze enamel decoration, applying colored enamels on top of the fired glaze to create more complex and vibrant designs. The mastery of this technique allowed for a much wider range of colours to be incorporated into Tang pottery pieces.