This article examines the distinct forms and decorative techniques of Yuan Dynasty porcelain, including its large shapes, bold motifs (floral, dragons), and underglaze painting. It reveals the artistic dynamism of the era.
The doucai technique, a complex method combining underglaze blue outlines with overglaze enamel colors, resulted in some of the most intricately beautiful and technically challenging pieces of Qing Dynasty porcelain.
Beyond blanc de chine, Dehua kilns produced a variety of ceramics including blue and white porcelain, colored glazes, and figural sculptures, highlighting the versatility and skill of Dehua potters.
While blue and white was dominant, it's worth examining the specific technical refinements in the use of underglaze blue during the Ming Dynasty. Ming potters built upon earlier techniques to achieve a higher level of precision, consistency, and a broader range of blue tones, and these technical innovations made for higher quality and more visually beautiful pieces.
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.
"Doucai" porcelain, meaning "joined colors," is a distinctive type of Ming ceramic that combines underglaze blue outlines with overglaze enamels, creating a delicate and detailed effect. The production of "doucai" required incredible precision and skill, and pieces made using this technique are highly sought after by collectors and museums around the world.