This article delves into the various inscriptions and marks found on Yuan Dynasty porcelain, explaining how kiln marks, imperial marks, and other inscriptions provide valuable information about origin, patronage, and intended use.
Yellow glaze, a powerful symbol of imperial authority in Qing China, was reserved almost exclusively for objects used by the emperor and the imperial family, signifying status and power.
Imperial porcelain production was a highly organized operation, emphasizing the finest craftsmanship, strictest standards of quality, and designs reflecting the tastes of the emperor and his court.
Qianlong porcelain is distinguished by its opulence, variety, and technical virtuosity. The period featured a wider range of colors and decorative styles, as well as skillful imitations of previous dynasties’ porcelain.
While often used in combination with other colors, some Ming Dynasty potters also explored the creation of pure yellow monochrome glazes, achieving a range of tones from pale lemon to deep golden yellow. The use of pure yellow in these pieces demonstrates another way that potters explored the possibilities of different types of colour.
The Xuande reign (1425-1435) within the Ming Dynasty is often hailed as a golden age for Chinese porcelain, and for good reason. The imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, under the direct patronage of the Xuande Emperor, produced ceramics that are renowned for their technical brilliance and exquisite beauty. This period saw a refinement of existing techniques and the development of new styles that would set a standard for subsequent generations. The influence of the Xuande emperor can still be felt in contemporary pottery production.
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.
The imperial kilns at Jingdezhen were pivotal in Qing Dynasty porcelain production, employing skilled artisans, setting high standards, innovating in glazes and techniques, and producing pieces that reflected imperial authority and became renowned worldwide.
Yongzheng porcelain (1723-1735) emphasized elegance and refinement, moving towards delicate forms, softer colors, particularly the rise of famille rose enamels, and meticulously executed designs, all crafted with technical perfection.
The reign of the Yongzheng Emperor (1723-1735), although relatively short, is celebrated for producing porcelain characterized by its unparalleled elegance and refinement. Yongzheng porcelain represents a shift from the boldness of the Kangxi period to a more understated and sophisticated aesthetic. The emperor himself was known to have a strong sense of aesthetic beauty and he was closely involved in the production process.