Porcelain
The Chinese are credited with making the first true porcelain during the Tang
dynasty (618-907). It is a type of ceramic ware that is valued for its beauty and
strength. Porcelain is different from other types of ceramics such as stoneware or
earthenware. Porcelain is a mixture of two ingredients; kaolin and petuntse, a
type of feldspar found only in China.
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) mastered the art of porcelain production, and it
was during this time that the first pieces of “china” began to be exported to Japan
and Europe. These pieces were highly valuable, and were praised by the likes of
Marco Polo and Francis Bacon. By this point, the Chinese were producing
porcelain from two types of earth: the white clay kaolin, and a feldspathic stone
called petuntse, which gave the final product a translucent, glasslike
appearance. The most complicated problem that arose during this time period
was decoration, for the Chinese were only able to develop two colors that could
withstand the high temperatures of the firing process—cobalt blue and copper
red. They also experimented with coloring the glaze itself, resulting in a subtle
green or grey tint as found in the “celadon” pieces from the Tang Dynasty. By far
the most successful technique was the overglaze paint, which was applied to the
outer surface after the first firing, and then fused to the glaze by a second firing at
a lower temperature. Using this method, they were able to produce virtually any
color imaginable in the most intricate designs.*
Porcelain is characterized by its whiteness, a delicate appearance, and its
translucence. It is a very hard ceramic product; porcelain is used for electrical
insulators and laboratory equipment. It is best know as a material for high quality
vases and tableware, as well as figurines and other decorative objects. Because
of its quality, a bell like ring is produced when it is struck
The City of Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen is with some right sometimes called the Porcelain Capital of the
World. Literary sources indicate the start of ceramic production in the area to the
Han dynasty (BC 206-A.D 220) which is quite likely depending on what you mean
with "the area". In year 621 some pieces from this area are known to have been
presented to the celebrated founder of the Tang dynasty.
Archaeological evidence so far puts the start of porcelain production here to the
period of the Five Dynasties (907-960). The products got imperial recognition
during the reign of the Song Emperor Jing De (1004-1007) when the city also got
its name - Jingdezhen. A dramatic change of the importance of the whole of
southern China - and Jingdezhen - came by the moving of the Imperial court to
the southern city of Nanjing in 1127. With a changed emphasis on the
importance of trade an important porcelain export industry got started†.
*
†
http://artictile.net/pages/Info/Info_Porcelain.html
http://www.gotheborg.com/
Yaobian Porcelain
Yaobian vases feature a simple, natural shape combined with sophisticated colors. Their
dominant purple-red glaze flows into cyan and moon white in a pattern that takes on a
life of its own and enhances the beauty of the vase. Glazing the fired body of the vase
multiple times, then baking at a low temperature creates such patterns. The copper,
cobalt, titanium, manganese, and iron coloring elements combine to produce a variety of
shades, mingling with the red glaze on the porcelain to create striking hues.
Celadon / Yingqing Porcelain
The production of monochromatic ceramics matured over several centuries in Northern
China, achieving particular success with green-glazed or “celadon” pieces. These were
developed as Ru, Guan, Ge, and Jingdezhen ware to a high level. The delicately lobed
and rounded bodies of these porcelains reflect the mastery of the artisans from this
period.
Blue & White Underglaze Porcelain
Drawing the design with cobalt pigment onto the stoneware body, and painting over
it with a transparent glaze creates the blue-white style, also known as “underglaze
blue”. The piece is then fired at a high temperature. Blue-white porcelain was
introduced during the Yuan Dynasty and has been continuously in production ever
since, thanks to is bright colors, simple yet elegant patterns, and smooth glaze that
never fades.
Wucai Porcelain
Wucai is a type of overglaze decoration. After firing the piece at a low temperature; red, green, yellow,
blue, and purple enamels are applied to the white ware. Wucai has been popular since the early Qing
Dynasty.
Doucai Porcelain
Docai Porcelains feature an unusual combination of exquisite patterns, color coordination, and wellexecuted color filling. It reached its height in the Yonzhen and Kangxi reigns during the Qing Dynasty.
The blue-white color is first applied under the glaze. Then red, green, and yellow are filled over the
glaze and the piece is fired at low temperatures.
Famille Rose
Famille Rose was developed during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, and is based
on the Wucai and Docai styles. Famille rose porcelains feature complex, ornate patterns
with a balanced tone, detailed drawing, and steady color.
http://www.asianartmall.com/jingdezhen.htm
susanstroh@juno.com