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While blue and white dominated, the Ming Dynasty also saw the development and refinement of "five-color" wares (wucai), which employed a range of vibrant overglaze enamels, including red, green, yellow, and aubergine, often used in combination with underglaze blue. These pieces demonstrate a more colourful and decorative style of pottery production that became increasingly popular during this period. The "five-color" palette, though the number of colors could actually vary, was used to create bold and elaborate designs that often featured floral motifs, figural scenes, and mythological creatures. The complexity of the designs and the vibrancy of the colours helped to make these pieces popular with a range of different clientele. Ming potters developed new techniques for applying and firing these overglaze enamels, achieving a high degree of color saturation and durability. The use of overglaze enamels required a specialized firing process and also a deeper level of skill in the application of these colours. "Five-color" wares represent a significant departure from the more restrained aesthetics of earlier periods and showcase the experimentation and creativity of Ming potters. The bold use of colours and the intricate decorative schemes highlight the ways in which Tang potters continued to innovate and improve their production processes and techniques. The vibrant colors and elaborate designs of "five-color" wares are a testament to the artistic ingenuity and technical mastery of Ming potters. |
Tag : Ming five-color, wucai porcelain, Chinese enamels, overglaze pottery, polychrome ceramics
"Kraak" porcelain, a term referring to a type of late Ming blue and white ware produced for export to Europe and other regions, is characterized by its distinct panelled designs, compartmentalized decorative elements, and intricate patterns. These pieces are an important element in understanding the role of Chinese pottery in international trade.
"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.
While red glazes had been used previously, Ming potters achieved a new level of intensity and brightness in the development of "coral red" glazes. The distinctive red tones and glossy surfaces are a key element of the overall beauty of the pieces that were decorated with this specific colour.
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.
While underglaze blue was a core component of many Ming styles, some potters experimented with combining underglaze blue with sgraffito, a technique where designs are created by scratching through a layer of slip to reveal a contrasting colour beneath, and this combination of techniques adds both depth and visual complexity to the overall design scheme.