From tableware to treasures (Yongzheng)

 

Introduction and History of Famille Rose Famille rose, (or "yangcai" in Chinese) refers to a type of Chinese porcelain decorated with colorful overglaze enamel. This technique was introduced during the Kangxi period (1662-1722). It reached its peak of refinement in the Yongzheng (1723-1735) and Qianlong (1736-1795) periods of the Qing dynasty. Famille rose pieces are characterized by their soft, pastel colors, intricate designs, and meticulous artisanship. The technique marked a departure from the traditional underglaze blue and white decoration, introducing a new era of vibrant and elaborate porcelain artistry.

Significance and Symbolism of the Objects on the Charger The peach, renowned for its subtle shades and association with longevity and immortality, was a beloved subject in Chinese art and folklore. In Chinese culture, the peach is a symbol of longevity, prosperity, and good fortune. The charger's depiction of the peach, adorned with delicate foliage and auspicious motifs, embodies the essence of prosperity and well-being, making it a cherished motif in Chinese art.

Functions of Chargers During the Yongzheng Era During the Yongzheng era, chargers served both practical and symbolic functions. These large, flat dishes were used for serving and displaying food, often as a showpiece during elaborate banquets and ceremonial occasions. These chargers from the Yongzheng period were not only utilitarian, but also served as expressions of wealth, taste, and cultural refinement. As symbols of prestige and sophistication, chargers adorned with auspicious motifs like the peach were highly sought after and treasured by the elite class, reflecting their status and appreciation for art and symbolism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUlK2wk6_-A

The allure of copper red: a journey through imperial Chinese ceramic artistry (Yongzheng)

The origin story of copper red is shrouded in some mystery. Archaeological evidence suggests its use on pottery as early as the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). However, its widespread application truly flourished during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368 AD). Alchemists, ever curious, experimented with copper pigments to achieve this stunning effect. The exact recipe remained a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of artisans. The quest for perfecting copper red intensified during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, the "porcelain capital" of China, became the epicenter of this pursuit. Here, skilled potters meticulously controlled firing temperatures and experimented with different copper oxide formulations. The Xuande reign (1426-1435 AD) is particularly celebrated for its copper reds, known for their intense color saturation and lustrous sheen. The Qing dynasty (1644-1912 AD) witnessed a further refinement of the copper red technique. The Kangxi reign (1661-1722 AD) saw the emergence of a wider range of copper red tones, with the "sacrificial red" and the "burnt rose" hues becoming particularly sought-after by the imperial court. The Yongzheng reign (1723-1735 AD) pushed the boundaries further, achieving a level of detail and precision that rendered copper red decorations breathtakingly lifelike.

3 distinct characteristics that define copper red's allure

1. Fiery Vibrancy Copper red boasts an unmatched vibrancy that sets it apart from other ceramic pigments. Its fiery intensity can imbue a scene with dynamism, as seen in depictions of dragons chasing flaming pearls. This boldness also lends itself to auspicious motifs like phoenixes and auspicious clouds, symbolizing imperial power and prosperity.

2. Subtle Nuance Despite its boldness, copper red possesses an unexpected subtlety. The successful application of copper red relies on precise firing control. Slight variations in temperature can yield a spectrum of effects, ranging from fiery orange to a more subdued, rose-pink hue. This characteristic allows for a remarkable level of detail and nuance within the copper red decorations. A masterfully rendered dragon might showcase a contrast between the fiery red of its body and the more subtle rose-pink of its scales.

3. Lustrous Sheen The final touch of magic comes from the lustrous sheen that copper red often possesses. This sheen imbues the ceramics with a sense of depth and richness. It's as if the dragons and phoenixes on the porcelain surface are imbued with an inner life force, ready to spring forth from the vessel.

https://en.thevalue.com/articles/christies-hong-kong-ten-perfections-qing-imperial-ceramics-wang-xing-lou-colleciton-results-2024-spring

Was the Narcissus basin used to feed palace pets during the Qianlong era? (Ru ware)

 

Ru ware, named after its origin in Ruzhou, Henan Province, represents the pinnacle of ceramic achievement during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). Its production, believed to be inspired by a dream of Emperor Huizong, spanned a mere 20 years, making surviving pieces incredibly rare. These exquisite wares were reserved solely for the Imperial court, reflecting an era of artistic refinement and imperial patronage.

The Enigmatic Narcissus Basin: A Legacy of the Qianlong Emperor The Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796 AD) of the Qing Dynasty was a fervent admirer of artistic traditions from previous dynasties. During his reign, a concerted effort was made to replicate the elusive beauty of Ru ware. The resulting works, known as "revival Ru ware," are highly sought after in their own right, though some lack the subtle nuances of the originals. One such revival piece is the captivating Narcissus basin, a masterpiece from the Qianlong era. This piece embodies the emperor's deep appreciation for Song Dynasty aesthetics. The basin's form is simple yet elegant, perfectly suited to display the delicate narcissus flower, a symbol of purity and renewal in Chinese culture. The glaze, a hallmark of Ru ware, is a mesmerizing shade of sky blue, often described as "duck egg blue" or "celadon." In certain lighting, the glaze takes on an almost ethereal quality, with subtle variations in color and texture that enthrall the viewer.

3 Distinctive Features of Ru Ware 1. The Elusive "Ru" Glaze The most celebrated aspect of Ru ware is undoubtedly its glaze. This opalescent blue glaze, achieved through a complex firing process with meticulous temperature control, possesses a mesmerizing quality. Under different lighting conditions, the glaze appears to shift and change, revealing subtle variations in color and texture. The prized "ice crackle" pattern, a network of fine cracks within the glaze, is not a flaw but a cherished characteristic, adding depth and visual interest.

2. Minimalist Elegance Ru ware embodies the Song Dynasty's aesthetic of restrained elegance. Unburdened by excessive decoration, the beauty of these pieces lies in their simple form and the play of light on the glaze. The pottery itself is remarkably thin and light, further emphasizing the ethereal quality of these objects.

3. Song Dynasty Incised Designs While most Ru ware is devoid of ornamentation, some rare pieces feature subtle incised designs. These designs are typically simple and geometric, often inspired by natural forms like clouds or waves. Their presence adds a touch of understated elegance without compromising the piece's overall minimalist aesthetic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJGFeV-Kyw

Beijing enameling - the artistry behind a Qianlong masterpiece (Jingtailan)

 In the world of Chinese ceramics, no other period is as revered as the Qianlong era, known for producing some of the most exquisite and treasured porcelain pieces in history.

Among these treasures are the renowned famille rose medallion bottle vases, celebrated for their exceptional artistry, historical significance, and provenance.

Introduction and History of Imperial Famille Rose Vases The Qianlong era, spanning from 1736 to 1795, was a time of unparalleled artistic achievement in China. Emperor Qianlong, a great art connoisseur and patron, fostered an environment that led to the creation of some of the most exquisite porcelain pieces in Chinese history. The famille rose medallion bottle vases, created during this illustrious period, are a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. These vases were highly prized and were often commissioned by the imperial court, aristocrats, and esteemed collectors.

Main Features of the Famille Rose Style The famille rose style is characterized by three distinct features that set it apart from other porcelain styles: 1. Rich and Vibrant Colors: The use of vibrant pink, purple, and green colors, achieved through the innovative application of new enamel techniques, distinguishes famille rose porcelain from earlier monochromatic styles. 2. Intricate and Detailed Designs: The vases are adorned with meticulously painted scenes of daily life, auspicious symbols, and intricate floral motifs, showcasing the unparalleled skill and artistry of the Qing dynasty artisans. 3. Elegant and Refined Forms: The vases are often crafted in elegant bottle shapes, with graceful proportions and exquisite detailing, reflecting the refined aesthetic taste of the Qianlong era. Introduction and History of Beijing Enameling Beijing enameling, also known as jingtailan, is a renowned decorative technique that reached its pinnacle during the Qianlong era. This technique involved the application of vibrant enamel colors onto porcelain, creating exquisite and intricate designs. The enameling workshops in Beijing were known for their exceptional craftsmanship, and the vases produced in these workshops are highly esteemed for their artistry and historical significance. The enameling process involved the application of enamel colors to the porcelain, followed by firing at high temperatures to achieve the lustrous and enduring finish. The famille rose medallion bottle vases, with their delicate enameled designs, exemplify the mastery of Beijing enameling and its contribution to the beauty of Chinese porcelain. In conclusion, the famille rose medallion bottle vases from the Qianlong era represent the pinnacle of Chinese porcelain artistry. Their exquisite craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and historical significance make them prized treasures that continue to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPOqyPEmLDk