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While we’ve addressed innovation before, it is useful to conclude by focusing on the enduring legacy of specific technical innovations of Ming potters. The techniques they developed, refined and combined continue to influence potters around the world today, and highlight the continued relevance of Ming era styles and production methods. The mastery of overglaze enamels, particularly in the development of "doucai" and "wucai" wares, represents a major step forward in ceramic technology. The skills and knowledge that were developed during this period would be highly influential for many generations of pottery artists. The refinement of underglaze blue painting techniques, which lead to pieces with a range of tones and colours, continues to be admired for its artistic and technical achievements. The use of carefully controlled firing techniques, along with the use of different materials and methods, is essential to the overall quality of pieces that were produced during the Ming period. The enduring legacy of Ming technical innovation can be seen in the continuing popularity of Ming styles and the ways that the technical breakthroughs of this period continue to influence contemporary pottery production techniques. |
Tag : Ming technical innovation, Chinese pottery, ancient techniques, ceramic skill, porcelain history
While touched on before, it's worthwhile to revisit the specific legacy of the Wanli period (1572-1620) in Ming ceramic production. The long reign of the Wanli Emperor, while sometimes seen as a period of decline in other areas, also saw the development of new styles and techniques in ceramics, which had a lasting impact on later pottery production, and the pieces that were created during this time are an important element of the overall history of Chinese pottery production.
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.
We have touched on Daoist influence, but let's focus specifically on the representation of immortals in Ming Dynasty ceramics. The depiction of Daoist immortals, with their distinctive attributes and symbolic associations, provides insights into the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the time, and also demonstrates a key element in the religious landscape of Ming China.
While the Ming Dynasty is famous for its polychrome wares, potters also continued to explore and refine the production of monochrome glazed ceramics, and these pieces highlight a different approach to design, often focusing on form and subtle tonal variations.
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.