Guide to Jingdezhen imperial porcelain
Jingdezhen porcelain is known for its delicate painting, high-quality materials, and elegant forms. There are seven techniques for crafting and decorating porcelain.
Ling Long
玲珑瓷 líng lóng cíBefore glazing and firing in the kiln, the craftsman uses a knife to make numerous holes in the clay mold that resemble grains of rice.
Blue and white porcelain
青花瓷 qīng huā cíThe most common type. Cobalt oxide is used for the patterns. After glazing and firing, an intricate indigo pattern appears on the white surface. Typically depicted are lotuses, bamboo, peacocks, and dragons.
Famille rose porcelain
薄胎瓷 bó taī cíThe clay “body” is polished hundreds of times, gradually reducing its thickness. Only skilled craftsmen can create products with walls as thin as an eggshell, as they say.
Statuary porcelain
雕塑瓷 diāo sù cíOne of the oldest crafting techniques for creating Buddha statuettes, animals, flowers, and miniature architectural landmarks. The products are notable for their elegant shapes and vibrant colors.
Shadowy blue ware
青花影青瓷 qīng huā yĭng qīng cíOne of the most recently developed techniques (1983). The blue and white pattern is applied before glazing, which gives the product a subtle, glowing effect.
