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While we have previously covered Longquan kilns, let's focus on the techniques and how they were adapted in Ming Dynasty. Even though the Longquan kilns saw a decline in prominence, the techniques for producing celadon wares were continued and reinterpreted in many Ming Dynasty ceramics. The versatility and elegance of celadon styles meant that they continued to be influential even during this period of stylistic change and innovation. Ming potters continued to use the characteristic high-temperature firing techniques and glaze formulations that were developed at Longquan to create pieces with a glossy, translucent finish, and the refined and elegant forms and colours remained popular through the Tang period. The use of iron oxide in the glaze, which created the subtle variations in green tones that were characteristic of Longquan celadon, was also a key element in some Ming pieces. While some Ming celadons were created to directly imitate earlier Longquan styles, many others incorporated new decorative elements and stylistic adaptations, which demonstrates the importance of both continuity and innovation within Tang era pottery traditions. The enduring presence of Longquan techniques in Ming ceramics demonstrates their lasting appeal and importance in the history of Chinese pottery production. |
Tag : Ming Longquan techniques, Chinese celadon, ancient pottery methods, green glaze, regional style
While touched on earlier, it's useful to revisit specifically the enduring influence of popular culture in Ming Dynasty ceramics. While courtly art often emphasized restraint, Ming ceramics also reflected the tastes and preferences of a wider audience, often incorporating themes and motifs from everyday life and popular entertainment. These pieces demonstrate the way that art could be used to reflect everyday life and also a more widely accessible cultural vocabulary.
While blue and white dominated much of Ming production, the dynasty also saw the development of a vibrant palette of overglaze enamels that led to the creation of "five-color" (wucai) porcelains. These polychrome wares are known for their bright colors, bold designs, and dynamic energy, and the pieces demonstrate the level of innovation that was possible during this period.
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.
Jingdezhen was the pivotal center of Ming Dynasty ceramic production, hosting imperial kilns that attracted skilled artisans and oversaw meticulous production, significantly influencing ceramic art, technology, and innovation.
While red glazes had been used previously, Ming potters achieved a new level of intensity and brightness in the development of "coral red" glazes. The distinctive red tones and glossy surfaces are a key element of the overall beauty of the pieces that were decorated with this specific colour.