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Coral red enamel, a vibrant and distinctive color, was a significant addition to the palette of Qing Dynasty porcelain, particularly during the reigns of the Kangxi and Yongzheng Emperors. This color added warmth and brilliance to many ceramic pieces. Its use represented a significant technological achievement of the time. It added an entirely new color dimension to the art of porcelain. Coral red enamel, also sometimes referred to as iron red, is created by firing iron oxide at high temperatures, producing a color that ranges from a bright, almost orange-red, to a deeper, more muted brick red. The ability to create these ranges of color was a great technological leap. This variety of tone offered a wide range of artistic possibilities. The color could be modulated to meet various design needs. The application of coral red enamel required great skill and precision, as the color could be difficult to control in the firing process. It was a very challenging color to produce reliably. This often required the use of multiple firings. The successful production of coral red enamel was a significant achievement for the potters of the era. Coral red enamel was often used in combination with other enamel colors, particularly in pieces decorated in the famille rose and famille verte palettes. The color added a striking contrast and served as a highlight for other design elements. The combination of coral red with other colors created a very dynamic and complex look. The red added warmth and vibrancy to many designs. Coral red enamel was especially popular for depicting dragons, phoenixes, and other auspicious symbols, which were considered to be particularly powerful in this vibrant hue. This symbolism further heightened the impact of this striking color. The use of red is often tied to traditional Chinese culture. The color was often used to convey special meaning. In conclusion, coral red enamel was an important and distinctive element in Qing Dynasty porcelain, offering a vibrant and powerful color that added depth and richness to many ceramic pieces. Its mastery is considered a great achievement of Qing dynasty potters. The color is highly prized by both collectors and experts. |
Tag : Coral red enamel, Qing porcelain, Iron red, Ceramic color, Enamel techniques
Chinese lacquerware had a notable influence on Qing porcelain, particularly in color palettes, intricate detailing, forms, and the imitation of surface textures, reflecting a shared cultural heritage and design sensibility.
Famille jaune porcelain, characterized by a yellow enamel background and intricate polychrome decorations, represents a distinctive and visually striking style within Qing Dynasty ceramics, showcasing the diversity of enamel techniques.
Qing potters were deeply influenced by Song Dynasty ceramics, seeking to emulate the forms, colors, and aesthetic sensibilities of that earlier period, demonstrating a continuity of ceramic traditions.
The porcelain kilns of Dehua in Fujian province are known for their unique “Blanc de Chine” or white porcelain, which gained popularity during the Qing dynasty. Unlike the painted porcelains of Jingdezhen, Dehua porcelain is renowned for its pure white glaze, delicate ivory hue, and sculptural forms. This porcelain has a distinctive creamy texture, and its soft, luminous qualities are highly prized by connoisseurs.
The reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) was the longest and arguably the most opulent period in the Qing dynasty, and this grandeur is reflected in the porcelain produced during his rule. Qianlong porcelain is characterized by its sheer diversity, technical complexity, and elaborate ornamentation. The emperor’s patronage resulted in a huge output from the Jingdezhen kilns, meeting the demands of both the imperial court and the export market.