China's imperial porcelain legacy (Chinese history)

 

Ever wondered how the Chinese imperial porcelain stood out from the rest?

Below is a summary of Sotheby's article on the history Chinese imperial porcelain.

Enjoy!

Summary:

1. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) - Jingdezhen's Golden Age

Strict control on porcelain trade under the Hongwu Emperor.

Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, was a crucial center for Chinese ceramics.

The city's importance continued into the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Many kilns were rebuilt after the Taiping Rebellion in 1855.

Blue and White Porcelain in Ming and Yuan Dynasties

2. Blue and white porcelain became dominant, with cobalt from Persia.

Ming and Qing dynasties are renowned for porcelain excellence.

Influence from Middle Eastern styles in Chinese blue and white design.

3. Yongle Period (1403-1424) - Cultural Flourishing

Yongle Emperor's patronage led to artistic and cultural projects.

Cross-cultural trade influenced Chinese artisans.

Technological achievements in thinner clay bodies and new glazes.

4. Early Qing Dynasty - The Golden Age of Porcelain

Decline of Ming, rise of Qing marked "The Golden Age of Porcelain."

Kangxi Emperor invited European artisans, leading to falangcai style.

Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione's influence on falangcai development.

5. Qianlong Period (1735-1796) - Dragon Motifs and Celadon Glaze

Qianlong Emperor's era marked by dragon motifs and celadon glaze.

Aesthetic influence from Europe seen in dragon bowl's baroque swirls.

Celadon glaze, lost in Ming and Yuan dynasties, reappeared in Qing.

6. Imperial Patronage Decline and Legacy

Qianlong's reign saw a decline in imperial art patronage.

Jingdezhen's imperial kiln sites are a legacy of the golden age. https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/a-short-history-of-chinese-imperial-porcelain