Qing potters were deeply influenced by Song Dynasty ceramics, seeking to emulate the forms, colors, and aesthetic sensibilities of that earlier period, demonstrating a continuity of ceramic traditions.
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.
Qing monochrome glazes, including copper red and celadon, showcase the technical mastery and artistic sensibility of Qing potters. These simple yet refined pieces highlight the beauty of pure form and glaze technology.
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.
Qing Dynasty monochrome glazes, such as Langyao red and celadon, showcase the technical mastery and aesthetic sensitivity of potters, highlighting the purity of form and subtle nuances of color through a single-color application.
Ru ware, produced for a short period during the late Northern Song Dynasty, is among the rarest and most highly valued of all Chinese ceramics. Known for their delicate bluish-green celadon glaze, often described as the color of "sky after rain," Ru ware pieces are celebrated for their understated elegance, simple forms, and subtle crackle patterns. They are highly sought after by collectors and admired for their timeless beauty.