This article explores the concept of zhen (真), or “authenticity,” in Running Script, highlighting the calligrapher’s commitment to expressing their true self, emotions, and unique vision with honesty and openness.
While we’ve discussed it before, it is worth revisiting Jingdezhen’s ongoing significance during the Ming Dynasty. The city of Jingdezhen remained the undisputed center of porcelain production during the Ming period, playing a vital role in the development of new techniques and styles and the mass production of porcelain for domestic and international markets. The consistent output of high quality pottery from Jingdezhen made it the central element of ceramic production in China for centuries.
While we’ve addressed Jingdezhen before, it is useful to revisit its significance as a global center during the Ming Dynasty. The kilns of Jingdezhen, as the most important site for ceramic production at this time, not only supplied pottery for domestic markets, but also for international trade as well, and its influence was felt throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and it remains the heart of Chinese pottery production even today.
The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) is pivotal for the rise of blue and white porcelain, marked by bold designs, large scale, and the innovative use of cobalt underglaze, which significantly influenced later Chinese ceramics.
Discover the world of white tea, a delicate and minimally processed Chinese tea. Learn about its harvesting, processing, and the delicate flavors that make it a unique and prized beverage.