In the Ming Dynasty, blue-and-white porcelain was a prominent art form, with official kilns producing refined pieces and folk kilns known for their large-scale output. In addition to continuing the production of kilns from the Yuan Dynasty, many new kiln sites emerged during the Ming era. Notable among these were Yaoli, Hutian, Guanyin Pavilion, Shidudu, and Dongjiawu. Blue-and-white porcelain stood out as the leading style in Ming porcelain production. This section focuses on artifacts unearthed from tombs that match specific strata or time periods.
During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, three key discoveries have been identified as artifacts from the Hongwu strata. The first was a collection of fragments found in the Nanjing Ming Palace in 1964; the second was another set of fragments discovered in Beijing in the summer of 1984; and the third was a batch of fragments unearthed from the Jingdezhen Royal Kiln Factory. Though incomplete, these pieces serve as important references for comparing with well-preserved examples.
Additionally, the Shanghai Museum houses a complete "Spring Shou" Yunlong Plum Bottle, while the Henan Museum has a Blue and White Yunlong Jade Spring Bottle. These are considered typical and well-preserved examples. Although blue-and-white porcelain from the Hongwu period is less common than red-glazed wares, comparative analysis shows that the techniques used for both glazes were similar.
The materials used during this period were primarily domestic, though some remnants of imported materials from the Yuan Dynasty may have been used. The blue pigments were categorized into three types: one with a bright, stable blue tone; another with a lighter blue, often featuring scattered dark spots; and a third with a grayish-blue color, sometimes showing deep black patches due to high manganese content. The overall palette remained predominantly white and blue.
Decorative styles followed the multi-layered belts of the Yuan Dynasty, with common themes including floral patterns such as peonies, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers, often arranged in intricate designs. Dragon motifs were also prevalent, featuring slender bodies and five-clawed feet, maintaining the Yuan style but with a more refined appearance. Other decorative elements included cloud patterns, banana leaves, and flowing water.
The porcelain body was generally white and dense, though not as fine as later Yongle-era pieces. It had small pinholes or cracks, and the glaze was thick and glossy, often forming a rounded lip around the rim. Some pieces displayed a soft, warm texture, enhancing the elegance of the blue-and-white design.
Shapes varied, including bowls, plates, cups, jars, and plum bottles. Common sizes included bowls of about 20 cm and 40 cm in diameter, plates of 20 cm and 45 cm, and large jars shaped like pomegranates. These forms reflected the craftsmanship and aesthetic of the time.
Overall, the blue-and-white porcelain of the Hongwu period showcases a blend of traditional techniques and evolving styles, making it an essential part of China’s ceramic heritage.
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