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The Ming Dynasty was a time of significant advancement in porcelain production, with potters making technical improvements in their materials, glazing, and firing techniques. The pieces that were made during this time demonstrate a new level of quality and a consistent ability to produce extremely high-quality works in a variety of different styles and techniques. The refining of kaolin clay and the development of new glazes and decorative techniques created porcelain that was of a higher standard of quality and durability than ever before. The mastery of high-temperature firing techniques was essential for producing the strong, translucent porcelain that characterized Ming wares. The scale of porcelain production increased dramatically during the Ming Dynasty, demonstrating the technical and economic achievements of this period and also the power and influence that the pottery industry had become at this time. The legacy of Ming porcelain production can be seen in its continuing influence on ceramic traditions throughout the world. |
Tag : Ming porcelain, Chinese pottery, ancient techniques, ceramic history, material science
Ming Dynasty monochrome glazes, including sacrificial red, celadon, yellow, and white, showcase the technical skill and aesthetic sensibility of potters through single-color applications, often used for ritual and imperial wares.
While underglaze blue was a core component of many Ming styles, some potters experimented with combining underglaze blue with sgraffito, a technique where designs are created by scratching through a layer of slip to reveal a contrasting colour beneath, and this combination of techniques adds both depth and visual complexity to the overall design scheme.
The later Ming Dynasty (1522-1644) saw significant diversity in ceramic production, with new colors, glazes, and techniques introduced, alongside a thriving export trade and varied decorative styles reflecting changing tastes.
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 blue and white dominated, the Ming Dynasty also saw the development and refinement of "five-color" wares (wucai), which employed a range of vibrant overglaze enamels, including red, green, yellow, and aubergine, often used in combination with underglaze blue. These pieces demonstrate a more colourful and decorative style of pottery production that became increasingly popular during this period.