This article explores the use of molded and applied decoration in Yuan Dynasty porcelain, highlighting how these techniques added texture and visual interest to pieces, showcasing the versatility of Yuan ceramics beyond underglaze painting.
This article goes beyond blue and white, exploring other glazes and techniques used in Yuan Dynasty porcelain, including monochrome glazes, copper red, and various decorative methods.
Black glaze, used both as a background and as a monochrome design element, was a distinctive and powerful aspect of Qing porcelain, showcasing the technical skills and artistic sensibilities of the potters.
The imitation of other materials, such as jade, bronze, lacquer, and wood, was a notable trend in Qing porcelain, showcasing the potters' technical skill, creative ingenuity, and playful approach to design.
The use of powdered glass enamels, a distinctive technique in Qing porcelain, created a delicate and translucent appearance, showcasing the potters’ skill and innovation in achieving depth and luminosity in decoration.
The firing of Qing porcelain presented significant technical challenges, requiring expertise in kiln construction, temperature control, and atmospheric management to produce consistent and high-quality results.
Incised decoration, a subtle method of adding texture and visual interest to Qing porcelain, involved carving designs directly into the body before glazing, showcasing the skill and mastery of potters.
Powder blue glaze, or soufflé blue, was a distinctive technique in Qing porcelain, creating a unique mottled blue surface highly valued for its subtle beauty and the high level of technical skill required.
White glaze, fundamental in Qing Dynasty porcelain, showcased technical skill and aesthetic sensibilities, allowing forms and decorations to achieve their full potential, especially in pieces where it served as the sole decorative element or background.
Underglaze copper red, a technically challenging technique, resulted in some of the most highly prized pieces of Qing Dynasty porcelain, showcasing the skill of the potters in achieving a clear, vibrant red color.
Iron oxide pigment played a crucial role in achieving a range of red, brown, and black colors in Qing porcelain, used in both monochrome glazes and underglaze and overglaze decorations.
Technical innovations in glaze, enamel, kiln construction, and clay preparation contributed to the high quality and artistic excellence of Qing Dynasty porcelain, including the development of the famille rose palette.