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"Kraak" porcelain, a term derived from the Dutch word for a type of ship, refers to a specific style of late Ming blue and white porcelain that was produced specifically for export, and these pieces are an important example of the cross cultural exchange that occurred through trade and commerce. Kraak porcelain is characterized by its distinctive panelled designs, compartmentalized decorative elements, and often a blue and white color scheme. The pieces were made with specific markets in mind, and often had unique characteristics that made them highly desirable to overseas consumers. These pieces were produced in large quantities to meet the demands of the overseas market and were designed to be both durable and functional. The importance of the pieces for trade means that they are an important element in understanding the economic importance of Chinese pottery during the Ming era. The distribution of Kraak porcelain along international trade routes helped to spread the influence of Chinese artistic styles throughout Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. The study of Kraak porcelain provides valuable insights into the complexities of international trade and cultural exchange during the late Ming Dynasty, and the pieces that were produced during this era help to make up a vital part of our understanding of international artistic exchange. |
Tag : Kraak porcelain, Ming export ware, Chinese trade pottery, blue and white, global ceramics
Beyond plays, it's worth exploring the influence of Ming Dynasty novels on the ceramics. The rise of popular novels during the Ming Dynasty had a subtle but noticeable influence on the types of scenes, characters, and stories that were sometimes depicted on ceramic pieces. The novels of the era were a major element of Chinese culture and their influence is apparent in many of the artistic forms that were popular at this time.
While we've discussed the techniques themselves, it's worth focusing on the legacy of underglaze blue specifically during the Ming. The widespread use of underglaze blue on Ming Dynasty porcelain, which was both refined and innovated at this time, had a lasting impact on the subsequent development of Chinese and global ceramic traditions, and the enduring influence of these techniques can still be seen throughout the world today.
While the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen were dominant, regional kilns throughout China continued to produce ceramics during the Ming Dynasty, often incorporating local styles and traditions into their designs. These pieces highlight the influence of regional preferences on the development of pottery during this period.
We've touched on Wanli before, but it's useful to revisit the significance of his period specifically in relation to trade. The Wanli reign (1572-1620) saw the continued expansion of the Chinese porcelain trade, and many pieces produced during this time were specifically designed to meet the demands of export markets around the world. This period of high volume pottery production was key to the economic prosperity of the region and demonstrates the importance of pottery in international commerce.
Ming Dynasty monochrome glazes, including sacrificial red, celadon, yellow, and white, showcase the technical skill and aesthetic sensibility of potters through single-color applications, often used for ritual and imperial wares.