Yuan Ceramics and the Production of "Shufu" Wares
|
"Shufu" wares, produced in Jingdezhen during the Yuan Dynasty, are known for their delicate white porcelain, often with subtle underglaze decorations in a pale blue or creamy white. These pieces were often made for the Imperial court or for other high-ranking officials and scholars and they demonstrate the continued importance of high quality white porcelain.  The name "Shufu" (樞府) refers to the Privy Council, highlighting the connection of these pieces to the Yuan court, and this connection between pottery production and government patronage demonstrates the importance of the imperial court during the Yuan era.  "Shufu" wares were often decorated with subtle underglaze patterns, such as floral motifs or auspicious symbols, which were created using fine brushwork and carefully selected materials. These pieces are prized both for the quality of the clay that was used and also for their beauty and the artistry of the designs.  The smooth, translucent glaze on Shufu wares enhances the delicate texture and pure white color of the porcelain, creating a sense of refinement and sophistication. The delicacy of the glaze was designed to emphasize the overall beauty of the piece. "Shufu" wares represent an important and distinct style of Yuan Dynasty porcelain, reflecting the refined tastes of the Yuan elite. These pieces are important elements of the overall study of pottery production at the time, and are a testament to the skill and dedication of Tang artisans. |
Tag : Yuan Shufu ware, Chinese white porcelain, Jingdezhen pottery, subtle decoration, porcelain history
Related information
- The Impact of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain on European Ceramics and Decorative Arts
- The Challenges of Authenticating Yuan Dynasty Porcelain: A Collector's Guide
- The Rise of Blue and White Porcelain in the Yuan Dynasty
- The Use of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain as Status Symbols and Markers of Power
- Yuan Dynasty Porcelain as a Source of Inspiration for Contemporary Design
This article examines the transformative impact of Yuan Dynasty porcelain on European ceramics and decorative arts, detailing how it inspired new techniques, influenced the development of blue and white traditions (like Delftware) and reshaped European artistic preferences.
This article provides a guide for collectors on the challenges of authenticating Yuan Dynasty porcelain. It discusses key factors such as form, decoration, glaze, and the importance of provenance in ensuring authenticity.
The Yuan Dynasty marks a pivotal moment in the history of Chinese ceramics, primarily due to the emergence and rapid development of blue and white porcelain. While blue and white wares had appeared in earlier periods, it was during the Yuan that these pieces, decorated with cobalt blue under a clear glaze, rose to prominence and became a defining feature of Chinese porcelain. The Yuan dynasty represents the beginning of a new approach to ceramic design, and the influence of Yuan blue and white porcelain can still be seen in pottery traditions today.
This article examines the role of Yuan Dynasty porcelain as a status symbol and marker of power, analyzing how its ownership, display, and use as gifts demonstrated wealth, prestige, and social standing within Yuan society.
This article explores the enduring influence of Yuan Dynasty porcelain on contemporary design, highlighting its inspiration for patterns, color palettes, forms, and shapes across a variety of disciplines including fashion, graphic design and product design.