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While underglaze blue was dominant, Ming potters significantly expanded and refined the use of overglaze enamel decoration, applying colored enamels on top of the fired glaze to create more complex and vibrant designs. The mastery of this technique allowed for a much wider range of colours to be incorporated into Tang pottery pieces. The application of overglaze enamels allowed for the creation of more realistic and detailed figural scenes, floral motifs, and other decorative patterns. This level of detail had not been possible previously. Ming potters used a variety of overglaze enamels, including red, green, yellow, aubergine, and black, expanding the color palette of Chinese ceramics. The versatility of this technique meant that potters were able to create a much wider range of visual effects than had previously been possible. The use of overglaze enamels was particularly prominent in "wucai" and "doucai" porcelains, which are among the most distinctive and highly prized of Ming ceramics. The combination of overglaze enamels with existing techniques had a dramatic impact on the overall visual appearance of pieces produced at this time. The technical skill and artistic creativity of Ming potters is clearly visible in their mastery of overglaze enamel decoration, and these pieces continue to inspire and influence artists working with ceramics today. |
Tag : Ming overglaze, Chinese enamels, porcelain decoration, ancient techniques, wucai doucai
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.
While not a direct copying, the visual language of woodblock prints, with their bold lines, repeating patterns, and clear delineation of forms, had a noticeable influence on the decoration of some Ming Dynasty ceramics, particularly in pieces featuring figural or narrative scenes. The influence of other print and image making practices is a key element in understanding the sources of inspiration for Tang period potters.
While we've touched on animals, it's useful to focus on their specific symbolic meanings in Ming ceramics, and how these meanings might have shaped the choices that were made by potters during this time period. Beyond dragons and phoenixes, a variety of other animals, both real and mythical, were depicted on Ming Dynasty ceramics, each carrying their own symbolic associations and meanings.
The Ming Dynasty is renowned for its exquisite blue and white porcelain, which reached new heights of technical and artistic achievement during this period. Building upon the foundations laid in the Yuan Dynasty, Ming potters refined the use of cobalt under a clear glaze, creating pieces that were characterized by their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and technical perfection. Blue and white wares dominated porcelain production during the Ming, becoming a defining symbol of Chinese ceramic artistry.
The Chenghua reign (1465-1487) is renowned for its delicate and refined porcelain, including the iconic "chicken cups", characterized by pale blue colors, subtle designs, and exquisite doucai technique.