Dehua Porcelain: Beyond Blanc de Chine

While Dehua porcelain is best known for its blanc de chine, the kilns also produced other types of ceramics during the Qing Dynasty, displaying a wider range of skills and styles. This demonstrates the range of artistic and technical capabilities at Dehua. The kilns at Dehua were quite versatile in their work.

In addition to pure white porcelain, Dehua kilns created pieces with underglaze blue decoration, often using cobalt to produce simple but elegant floral patterns. While not as elaborate as those from Jingdezhen, the blue and white pieces of Dehua have their own distinct charm and understated beauty. These designs are both unique and very charming. They provide an interesting contrast to the white porcelain.

Dehua potters also experimented with various colored glazes during the Qing Dynasty. These efforts included celadon, brown, and even a rare black glaze. These glazes added another layer to the range of styles created at Dehua. These show the flexibility of production techniques at Dehua. They demonstrate their interest in innovative techniques.

Figural sculpture continued to be a major focus for Dehua potters. In addition to religious figures, they produced pieces that depicted everyday life, such as farmers, scholars, and warriors. The diversity of these subjects shows the artistic and cultural range at Dehua. These were rendered with great attention to detail.

The forms produced at Dehua often demonstrated a close relationship between form and function. Many pieces are designed for practical uses, such as incense burners, teapots, and scholar’s objects. These functional pieces also displayed a high level of craftsmanship. They reveal the ingenuity of Dehua artisans.

In conclusion, while blanc de chine is the most well-known type of Dehua porcelain, the kilns produced a wider variety of ceramics during the Qing Dynasty. This diversity showcases the versatility and artistic skill of the Dehua potters. Dehua porcelain encompasses much more than just white ware. They represent a very significant porcelain production center.