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While we’ve discussed monochrome glazes, it’s worth revisiting them focusing on the textured effects that Ming potters sometimes achieved. Beyond simply color, they explored techniques to create visually and tactilely interesting surfaces with a single glaze color, demonstrating the importance of texture as another key element in artistic design. Ming potters achieved textured monochrome surfaces through a variety of methods, such as varying the thickness of the glaze, manipulating firing temperatures, and using specific minerals, and the interplay of these elements creates surfaces that are dynamic and varied, even when a single colour is used. The textured surfaces, often featuring subtle variations in tone and a sense of depth, create a unique interplay of light and shadow, adding visual interest and beauty. The use of textured monochrome glazes demonstrates the attention that Tang potters paid to subtle details and the overall qualities of the materials that they used in their work. The exploration of monochrome glazes with textures highlights the technical skills and experimental nature of Ming potters. |
Tag : Ming textured monochrome, Chinese pottery, single color, surface effects, tactile ceramics
The five-clawed dragon, an important symbol of imperial authority in Chinese culture, was a prominent motif on Ming Dynasty ceramics, particularly those produced for the court, and the presence of this symbol on a piece is a clear indication of its origin and its intended meaning and use.
While Buddhism was a major influence, Daoist symbolism also appeared on some Ming Dynasty ceramics, reflecting the influence of this ancient Chinese philosophy on daily life. The Daoist symbols that appear on these pieces are an important aspect of the overall visual language that was being used during this time.
While previously mentioned, it is helpful to revisit the specific techniques that were used to produce a turquoise-blue style glaze in the Ming era. While not as common as other colors, some Ming potters achieved beautiful and unique shades of turquoise blue, showcasing their technical skill and experimental approach to glaze development.
While we touched on Lapis, let’s examine how it impacted blue applications on Ming ceramics. The desire to emulate the rich blue of Lapis Lazuli prompted Ming potters to push the boundaries of cobalt underglaze techniques, and to explore new methods of applying their blue glazes to achieve a depth and visual power that was similar to the natural gem.
While we touched on textures earlier, let's focus on textured glazes beyond monochrome applications. Ming potters experimented with a wide range of textured glazes, often in combination with multiple colours, creating a visually rich and dynamic surface that moved beyond the traditional approach to pottery design.