|
While we've touched on imperial influence, it's worth revisiting the specific impact of the Wanli Emperor (r. 1572-1620) on Ming ceramics. The Wanli period, which was one of the longest of the Ming Dynasty, saw a unique style of ceramic production that reflected the emperor’s personal tastes and the changing economic landscape of the time. The emperor’s preferences had a profound effect on the styles and production methods that were popular during this time period. Wanli-era ceramics are characterized by their large sizes, elaborate decorations, and often densely packed designs, which represented a departure from the more restrained aesthetic principles of earlier periods. These pieces often feature a larger number of symbolic and mythological elements than those of previous generations, creating visually complex and engaging designs. The increased production of ceramics, including both blue and white and polychrome wares, to meet the growing demand both within China and overseas led to a standardization of many designs and techniques. The increased scale of production demonstrates both a growth in technical skill and also a desire to meet the growing global demand for Chinese porcelain. While some critics suggest a decline in quality compared to earlier periods, Wanli ceramics also demonstrate the continuing innovation and creativity of Ming potters. The style of production during this time period created highly individualistic and technically complex pieces. The legacy of the Wanli era can be seen in the continuing influence of its designs and techniques on later generations of potters, and its influence is clear in surviving pieces from later eras. |
Tag : Wanli porcelain, Ming Dynasty, Chinese imperial art, ceramic styles, late Ming ceramics
Ming Dynasty ceramic motifs, such as dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and animals, are rich in symbolic meaning, reflecting the values, beliefs, and cultural landscape of the era and forming a vital visual language.
While iron oxide was key to other colours, the use of "iron rust" glaze, which is characterized by its dark brown or reddish-brown tone with subtle flecks and variations in texture, added a different type of visual texture to Ming Dynasty ceramics. Pieces with this type of glaze demonstrate the skill of Tang potters and their exploration of different colours and effects.
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.
While underglaze blue and overglaze enamels were often seen in separate styles, Ming potters also developed techniques for combining both methods on the same piece. These combined techniques demonstrate the ingenuity and versatility of potters during this time, and also the ways in which they sought to explore the interplay of different design techniques.
While often featuring recognizable images, some Ming Dynasty ceramics also explored the use of more abstract patterns and motifs, demonstrating the versatility of potters who were working in this time and their willingness to experiment with new design elements.