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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. Wanli-era ceramics, despite criticisms, demonstrate the technical skill and innovation of Ming potters, and the pieces produced at this time demonstrate the artistic skill and versatility that were present in the pottery workshops throughout the Ming empire. The influence of Wanli-era designs can be seen in the styles and decorative techniques of later Qing Dynasty ceramics, and the impact of Wanli styles and techniques would have a long lasting impact on pottery production in subsequent generations. The large scale of production and the widespread distribution of Wanli ceramics throughout China and around the world helped to shape the global appreciation for Chinese porcelain. The scale and global reach of pottery produced during this period also demonstrates the growing importance of international trade at this time. The legacy of the Wanli period highlights both the continuity and change in Ming ceramic traditions. |
Tag : Ming Wanli legacy, Chinese pottery, late Ming style, ancient designs, ceramic influence
While we’ve touched on Islamic influence, it is worth focusing on the specific influence of Islamic calligraphy on Ming ceramics. The flowing lines, geometric patterns, and stylized forms of Islamic calligraphy sometimes appeared on Ming Dynasty pieces, and demonstrate the cross-cultural exchange of artistic techniques and design elements that was occurring during this period.
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 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.
While black glazes were used in earlier dynasties, Ming potters achieved a new level of technical mastery in producing deep, lustrous black glazes, often using these glazes to highlight specific forms and decorative elements. This shows that potters during the Ming era were still refining and innovating on previously existing techniques.
While design is important, it's important to recognize the continued emphasis on form during the Ming Dynasty. Potters continued to explore and refine various ceramic forms, creating a range of vessels that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The continued focus on form and shape demonstrates the skill and sophistication of potters during this time.