China, known as the ancient kingdom of ceramics, is synonymous with the art of pottery. Ceramic art is a form of human expression using fundamental materials of clay, water, and fire. Mastery of the plasticity and malleability of clay, along with knowledge of shaping techniques and firing principles, is essential for creating and evolving ceramic forms that embody aesthetic beauty.
Ceramics, encompassing pottery and porcelain, differ significantly based on raw materials and firing temperatures. Pottery is characterized by an opaque body, loose texture, high porosity, and rough finish with minimal impurities.
In contrast, porcelain features a semi-translucent body, dense texture, low porosity, fine finish, and is free from impurities.
Dance-patterned colored pottery basin: Unearthed in 1973 in Shang Sunjiazhai, Datong County, Qinghai Province. The basin, made of fine red clay, exhibits an arched upper abdomen, slightly closed large mouth, rolled lip, and a gently recessed lower abdomen with a small flat bottom, adorned with black enamel. The mouth and outer wall are decorated with simple black lines. The inner wall features three sets of dance patterns, separated by parallel vertical lines and leaf patterns. The dance figures are depicted in monochrome, with a simple and lively style.
Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang: Crafted using the terracotta method, these warriors and horses were first shaped with clay molds, then covered with a layer of fine clay for detailed carving and coloring. Some were fired before assembly, while others were fired after assembly. Originally, these terracotta figures displayed vibrant colors. However, upon excavation, exposure to oxygen led to rapid oxidation, turning the colors into white ash. What remains are traces of the original painted patterns. The figures include cavalry, infantry, and charioteers arranged in various formations, showcasing a robust, vigorous, and refined style. Details such as facial features, hairstyles, postures, and expressions vary, demonstrating the artisans' craftsmanship.
Blue and white porcelain: Matured blue and white porcelain emerged during the Yuan Dynasty in Jingdezhen. Yuan blue and white patterns are characterized by rich compositions, layered complexity, and dominant freehand brushwork with bold and forceful strokes. Themes include figures, animals, plants, and poetry. Figures often depict high-ranking officials, historical figures, while animals feature dragons, phoenixes, mandarin ducks, and swimming fish. Common plant motifs include peonies, lotuses, orchids, pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, lingzhi mushrooms, and flowers and leaves. Poetry themes are rare. The peony flower is depicted with petals leaving a white border; dragon patterns exhibit erect ears, fierce expressions, and a grid-like scale pattern. Additional decorative elements include scroll patterns, lotus petals, ancient coins, waves, cloud patterns, banana leaves, and more.
Tang tri-color pottery: Tang tri-color pottery boasts a diverse range of forms, primarily categorized into animals, utensils, and figures, with animals being the most prevalent. The unearthed Tang tri-color pottery predominantly features horses, possibly reflecting the importance of horses in ancient China for transportation, agriculture, and trade along the Silk Road. Camels are also common, likely associated with long-distance trade routes. Figure depictions often showcase palace maids, providing insight into the courtly life of the time. The proportions of human and animal figures are balanced, natural in form, with flowing lines and lively expressions. The overall style is robust, healthy, and refined.
The art of ceramics involves a meticulous process:
- Clay selection: High-viscosity clay, typically kaolin, is chosen.
- Clay washing: The clay is washed in water, thoroughly mixed, and fine particles are sifted out.
- Forming: Shaping the selected clay into ceramic molds.
- Drying: Placing the ceramic molds on racks for air-drying.
- Trimming: After drying, using tools to smooth and refine the surfaces.
- Glazing: Applying a uniform layer of glaze onto the smoothed ceramics.
- Painting: Using brushes to paint patterns on the surface; some ceramics and pottery may receive multiple layers of glaze after the pattern is painted.
- Firing: Placing the painted and glazed ceramics in a kiln for firing.
Modern ceramic classifications include:
- Daily-use ceramics: Examples include tableware, tea sets, jars, and vessels.
- Art ceramics: Comprising vases, sculptures, and decorative items.
- Industrial ceramics: Referring to ceramics applied in various industrial processes.
