Beyond Blue and White: Other Yuan Ceramic Styles
|
While blue and white porcelain is undoubtedly the most famous ceramic style of the Yuan Dynasty, it is important to acknowledge the other equally significant forms of pottery production of the era. These less-celebrated wares offer valuable insights into the diversity and richness of Yuan ceramic traditions. While blue and white is the most famous product of the period, there is a lot more to Yuan pottery than just that.  One notable style is "Shufu ware," a creamy-white porcelain with a subtle, unctuous glaze. This ware is often characterized by its moulded or carved designs and its delicate appearance. Shufu ware offers a distinct contrast to the bold blue and white. These pieces show a different set of aesthetic choices.  Other Yuan ceramic styles include Cizhou ware, which featured boldly painted designs in iron-brown or black over a white slip. This style is characterized by its more rustic, folk art aesthetic and its sturdy forms. Cizhou wares have a vibrancy and a rustic feel that is all their own.  Longquan celadon also continued to be produced during the Yuan Dynasty. This style is renowned for its thick, jade-like green glaze and its often sculptural forms. The celadon of the era continued to be highly prized throughout the world. The diversity of these Yuan ceramics demonstrates the breadth of creative output during this time. Although often overshadowed by blue and white, these other styles provide a more complete picture of the period's ceramic achievements and artistry. They demonstrate the full range of creativity during the Yuan Dynasty. |
Tag : Yuan ceramics, Shufu ware, Cizhou ware, Longquan celadon, Chinese pottery
Related information
- The Development of the Cobalt Underglaze Technique
- The Symbolic Use of Animals on Yuan Dynasty Porcelain
- Yuan Ceramics and the Use of "Copper Red" (Revisited)
- The Role of Minorities in Yuan Dynasty Porcelain Production and Trade
- The Ethical Considerations in Collecting Yuan Dynasty Porcelain
The Yuan Dynasty mastered the cobalt underglaze technique, a pivotal ceramic innovation that allowed for intricate, controlled blue designs on porcelain, impacting later Chinese ceramics and global techniques.
This article explores the symbolic use of animals in the decoration of Yuan Dynasty porcelain, focusing on the meanings of dragons, phoenixes, and other creatures, providing insights into the cultural beliefs of the era.
We touched on underglaze red earlier, but a deeper look at the specific use of copper red during the Yuan is valuable. The use of copper to achieve red tones in underglaze decoration was one of the most technically challenging techniques mastered by Yuan Dynasty potters, and the difficulty in the production of this colour makes surviving examples of Yuan period red pottery especially valuable.
This article explores the often overlooked role of minority groups in the production and trade of Yuan Dynasty porcelain, acknowledging their likely contributions to various stages of the process and their influence on the diverse cultural landscape of the period.
This article emphasizes the ethical considerations in collecting Yuan Dynasty porcelain, focusing on issues of provenance, legality, the protection of cultural heritage, and the importance of supporting responsible dealers and conservation efforts.