In the Ming Dynasty, blue-and-white porcelain was a significant part of ceramic production, with official kilns producing refined pieces and folk kilns known for their large-scale output. Building on the traditions of the Yuan Dynasty, new kiln sites emerged during the Ming era, including Yaoli, Hutian, Guanyin Pavilion, Shidudu, and Dongjiawu. Among these, blue-and-white porcelain stood out as the leading style in the dynasty’s ceramic industry. Much of what we know today comes from artifacts found in tombs and archaeological layers, offering valuable insights into the period's craftsmanship.
During the Hongwu era, three key discoveries have been identified from the Hongwu strata. These include fragments found in the Nanjing Ming Palace in 1964, another batch unearthed in Beijing in 1984, and a third group from the Jingdezhen Royal Kiln Factory. Though incomplete, they serve as important references when compared to well-preserved examples. Additionally, the Shanghai Museum houses a complete "Spring Shou" Yunlong Plum Bottle, while the Henan Museum holds a Blue and White Yunlong Jade Spring Bottle—both are considered typical examples of the era.
Blue-and-white porcelain from the Hongwu period is less common than red-glazed wares, and fewer complete pieces have survived. However, analysis of available data shows that the techniques used for blue and white were similar to those for red glazes. The materials primarily came from domestic sources, though it's possible some remnants of Yuan-era imported pigments were still in use. The blue color varied: some were bright and clear, others had a soft, mottled appearance, and a few displayed a grayish tone due to impurities like manganese. This variety in color reflected both the quality of the materials and the skill of the artisans.
Decorative styles followed the multi-layered belt patterns of the Yuan Dynasty, often featuring floral motifs such as peonies, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers. These were commonly used on the inner and outer walls of bowls and plates. More elaborate designs, including banana leaves and rock formations, appeared on larger vessels and the bases of dishes. Dragon motifs were also prevalent, with slender bodies and five-clawed feet, maintaining the Yuan-style but with a more refined expression. Other elements like cloud patterns, lotus petals, and seagulls added visual interest to the pieces.
The porcelain body was white and dense, though not as fine as later Yongle-era wares. It sometimes showed small pinholes or cracks. The glaze was thick and smooth, with a slightly greenish-white hue, and often formed a rounded lip around the rim. Some pieces had thick glaze layers filled with tiny bubbles, giving them a soft, warm appearance. The blue underglaze, especially when applied over this rich glaze, looked particularly elegant.
Shapes from the Hongwu period included bowls, plates, jugs, and various containers. Common sizes were around 20 cm and 40 cm for bowls, and 20 cm and 45 cm for plates. Plates with rhombic mouths had wide folds and shallow arcs, while pomegranate-shaped jars were notable for their large size and intricate details. Plum bottles featured narrow necks and flared bases, with some having inscriptions like “Chunshou†on the shoulder. Many pieces had a distinctive "cinnabar" bottom, marked by red spots from the firing process.
Overall, the decorative elements of Hongwu blue-and-white porcelain, such as peonies, chrysanthemums, and cloud patterns, were carefully arranged, often leaving white edges to highlight the design. These characteristics, combined with the craftsmanship and materials used, make the Hongwu period a crucial chapter in the history of Chinese ceramics.
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