Ching Dynasty
China - Ching Dynasty
Never before had the Chinese classic blue and white porcelain reached a level of higher acclaim than it did during the Ching Dynasty. One could easily see why this blue and white ware had reached such a high level of commercial acceptance around the world. The improved enamel glazes of the early Ching Dynasty were fired at a higher temperature which achieved a more brilliant look than those of the Ming Dynasty.
When Ming took over for Ching, and the Republic of China took over for the Ching, the upheaval of these two periods brought about the ruin of the government owned kilns. From this point in history on, many of those (nearly 1000) kilns were acquired by the local artists. It is from this transition of private to public sector that we find the greatest progress in both jade and pottery as well. During the Ming and Ching Dynasties, we find the highest quality of art being produced. As a result of this workmanship, we find the world export market for these wares stronger than ever before.
Another revolt in China brought the Manchus to power. Both the emperor of the Ching Dynasty and his son as well were not only patrons of the arts, but they were actually artists themselves. They expanded the schools and the Palace workshops. The talented carvers of the time were paid well and kept busy by the sheer demands for Imperial wares, both in jade and ceramic.
It is important to understand that, as much as the Chinese had been improving upon their expertise in manufacturing pottery for more than 8,000 years, the technique of making the pottery was virtually unknown in the Western Hemisphere until well into the 18th Century.
To this day, the Chinese government is taking bold steps to reinvigorate their pottery and porcelain markets. During the past two decades, we see a huge increase once again in the number of schools and, ultimately, artists developing in the Chinese pottery market. It is a lasting tribute to China that one of her creations, the blue white cobalt glaze of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, is loved around the world. These works of art today are found in more 20th Century homes than any other style of art ever created by ceramic artists
anywhere in the world.