The Nation's Premier Antiques Center

Ming Dynasty Ceramics

Wucai ceramic ewer with cover, China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 6.5". Yellow River Gallery

Wucai ceramic ewer with cover, China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 6.5" from Yellow River Gallery

One of the most enduring forms of Chinese art, ceramics has an unbroken history dating to possibly as early as 18,000 years ago (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science). Through this long resume of craftsmanship, no period was as revolutionary as the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). The Ming Dynasty saw innovations in design, technique, and brilliant color as in the wucai ewer above. Wucai is an overglaze decoration ceramic made by firing an existing plain-base ceramic painted with bright-hued patterns in a colorful kiln. The dragon seen here was one of the most popular motifs of the time.

Blue and white Meiping ceramic vase, China, Ming Dynasty.  Height: 10 3/4". From Yellow River Gallery.

Blue and white Meiping ceramic vase, China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 10 3/4". From Yellow River Gallery.

Another common symbol, storks have been incorporated into Chinese pottery since as early as the Neolithic period, and is funnily, one of the most common symbols of longevity (cultural-china.com, oldandsold.com). Meiping, which translates to plum vase, has been done in the blue and white style, where white porcelain is decorated under glaze in blue. Yellow River Gallery can be contacted about the Wucai here and the Meiping here.

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