Ming dynasty ceramic vase

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Ming dynasty, 1368-1644

The Ming Dynasty saw an extraordinary period of innovation in ceramic manufacture. Kilns investigated new techniques in design and shapes, showing a predilection for colour and painted design, and an openness to foreign forms. The Yongle Emperor (1402–24) was especially curious about other countries (as evidenced by his support of the eunuch Zheng He’s extended exploration of the Indian Ocean), and enjoyed unusual shapes, many inspired by Islamic metalwork, During the Xuande reign (1425–35), a technical refinement was introduced in the preparation of the cobalt used for underglaze blue decoration. Prior to this the cobalt had been brilliant in colour, but with a tendency to bleed in firing; by adding a manganese the colour was duller, but the line crisper. Xuande porcelain is now considered among the finest of all Ming output. Enamelled decoration (such as the one at left) was perfected under the Chenghua Emperor (1464–87), and greatly prized by later collectors. Indeed by the late sixteenth century, Chenghua and Xuande era works – especially wine cups – had grown so much in popularity, that their prices nearly matched genuine antique wares of Song or even older. This esteem for relatively recent ceramics excited much scorn on the part of literati scholars (such as Wen Zhenheng, Tu Long, and Gao Lian, who is cited below); these men fancied themselves arbiters of taste and found the painted aesthetic ‘vulgar.’

In addition to these decorative innovations, the late Ming period underwent a dramatic shift towards a market economy,exporting porcelain around the world on an unprecedented scale. Thus aside from supplying porcelain for domestic use, the kilns at Jingdezhen became the main production centre for large-scale porcelain exports to Europe starting with the reign of the Wanli Emperor (1572–1620). By this time, kaolin and pottery stone were mixed in about equal proportions. Kaolin produced wares of great strength when added to the paste; it also enhanced the whiteness of the body – a trait that became a much sought after property, especially when form blue-and-white wares grew in popularity. Pottery stone could be fired at a lower temperature (1250 °C) than paste mixed with kaolin, which required 1350 °C. These sorts of variations were important to keep in mind because the large southern egg-shaped kiln varied greatly in temperature. Near the firebox it was hottest; near the chimney, at the opposite end of the kiln, it was cooler.

Han dynasty ceramic

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Han dynasty, 202 BC-220 AD

Some experts believe the first true porcelain was made in the province of Zhejiang during the Eastern Han period. Shards recovered from archaeological Eastern Han kiln sites estimated firing temperature ranged from 1260 to 1300 °C. As far back as 1000 BC, the so-called “Porcelaneous wares” or “proto-porcelain wares“ were made using at least some kaolin fired at high temperatures. The dividing line between the two and true porcelain wares is not a clear one. Archaeological finds have pushed the dates to as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).

The late Han years saw the early development of the peculiar art form of hunping, or “soul jar”: a funerary jar whose top was decorated by a sculptural composition. This type vessels became widespread during the following Jin Dynasty and the Six Dynasties.

Ancient ceramics in Palace Museum destroyed

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A piece of ancient Chinese ceramics in the Beijing Palace Museum, known as Ge Ware, has been destroyed due to improper handling. Academics were inspecting the pieces when the accident occurred. The Palace Museum’s inspection of the ancient ceramics has now been suspended.

Ge Ware originated in the Song Dynasty, about 800 years ago. Ge Ware represents one of the pinnacles of Chinese porcelain. Only a few hundred pieces remain, all of them priceless. Ge Ware is renowned for the high skill needed to create their distinctive crackling pattern.

Ge Ware destroyed due to improper handling.

2009 China Jingdezhen Int’l Ceramic Fair

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Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2009 shows a blue-and-white porcelain clock on shown at the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi Province. The 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair kicked off here on Oct. 18.

Visitors tour the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Oct. 18, 2009.

A visitor views exhibits at the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Oct. 18, 2009.

A woman shows blue-and-white porcelain clocks at the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen

A woman shows a blue-and-white porcelain clock at the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Oct. 18, 2009. The 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair kicked off here on Oct. 18.

Ceramic Floor Design Ideas

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Brillante: incredible, it’s ceramic!

By Ceramic Design

From the skills of Fap ceramiche in creating complete solutions comes Brillante, the new collection of ultrathin, ultra-polish white body tiles with coordinated porcelain stoneware floor tiles. One large size – 30.5×91.5 cm, rectified – just 5.5 mm thick, runs along the walls to create a sophisticated striped marble texture, with a vein which tells a centuries-old story.

 

The extraordinary design skill of Fap ceramiche is shown concretely in the presence of original special trims,all finished with the range of coordinated TonoSuTono grouts. This particular element is used to create perfect bathrooms, with attention right down to the last detail. The tiling becomes total, absolutely complete, like a veil laid over the floors and walls. This is one of the winning features of Fap ceramiche, which has always paid attention to the most advanced technological research, to create effective design solutions with unique beauty.  

 

New colours and decorations, evocative and shining, study marble from a unique point of view, examining the thousand aspects of the material and discovering hidden qualities and features, for increasingly sophisticated ideas. 5 exclusive colours: Brown, Champagne, Fumè, Lemon, Quartz.

 

Marble is reinterpreted with Brillante in an ultrathin tile, which maintains its strength and character but dresses it up in a new, lightweight and impalpable meaning. A contrast which becomes the expression guiding thread of this perfect synergy.

Its thickness allows Brillante to be laid on existing tiles, becoming an exclusive partner for creating practical bathrooms, kitchens and living areas, veritable works of art which pay attention to the demands of modern environments. 

With this collection, Fap ceramiche once again declares its attention to protecting the environment. An absolutely cutting-edge production technology has made it possible to create this ultra-thin product, limiting the use of raw materials, water, energy and above almost negligible amounts of waste – which is in any case correctly disposed of or recycled – and harmful substances.

 

The bathrooms created with this new range can be combined with the Fap+ collection of ceramic accessories.

 

Brillante: under the sign of lightness!

Ceramic designs from Brunswick Ceramic Services Ltd

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design for 17 years, before starting Brunswick Ceramic Services Ltd which was first established in Stoke-on-Trent the home of ceramics in 1973 and have developed a fine reputation throughout the world for excellent service and high quality work. 

Along side him his son and fellow director Neil Hackney with over 30 years of experience the company has grown and specialises in all aspects of Ceramic Design, Modelling, Blocking, Casing and Mould Production.

The type of product produced is down to the individual customer, ranging from tableware such as Teapots, Jugs, Bowls, Plates, Cups and Saucers to Heating Elements, Finials for the rooftops, Ceramic tiles or even a scale model of the F.A Cup, the personnel have the skills and experience to meet your needs.

There are different stages in the mouldmaking process.

Modelling of different shapes and sizes to intricate work like embossment on holloware (i.e,teapots and cups), flatware (i.e,plates and saucers) and figurines. Using either clay or plaster mediums to model in.

Blocking is the process of producing the first mould this can be a simple one part mould such as a cup for a jolley machine or a multi-part mould for a figurine or teapot.

Casing is the next step. The block can be cased in either a hard plaster or a silicone rubber, again this maybe a simple one part case or a complicated multi-part case.

Moulds From the case we can now produce the required amount of working moulds which are then dried in our industrial dryer ready for use.

Die manufacture for Hydraulic pressing in clay.

We have strong links with various engineering companies that serve the pottery industry producing machines, tools and metal backparts and rings.

All our customers are important, whether they are a student starting up,hobbyist  or a small studio potter to the large pottery manufacturer. We pride ourselves on our service to the customer.

Amanda Bowles

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Amanda Bowles BA(Hons) Ceramic Design

design ceramics for use within a domestic interior. My forms and surfaces take influence from details observed in architecture and I am interested in responding to the aspirations of the more adventurous client.

Fluted Ceramic Vase, Small

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Fluted Ceramic Vase, Small

Height 15.5cm Ceramic Crystal Glaze Fluted vase, small, available in 2 colours, Blue & Green. The glaze is beautifully finished in a creamy high gloss, and detailed with a fluid pattern, like droplets of oil spreading out in water or the layers of a crystal. Each vase comes individually packaged in its own box. A stylish gift to add an elegant touch to any room. Detailed Dimensions: Height 15.5cms

Egg Pot – Jade

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This style is a basic egg shaped pot.  They look great sitting on a patio table, fence ledge or nested in the grass and filled with spring flowers.  Available in five generous sizes that really compliment each other when placed as a set.

Imported from South China, these ceramic pieces of pottery are made from white bisque instead of clay.  Having this kind of a base to start with gives this piece an advantage when it comes to colorful and vibrant glazes.  Each one is considered high quality yet traditional.  Some of the finishes like the Copper and Bronze have great shine and sparkle.  Our Jade and Oxblood red are traditional glazes with a lovely crackle finish.  Of course we would not be stating the obvious if we didn’t point out the new tri color glazing called “Fire and Ice”.  All pots are high fired, waterproof and come with a drain hole.  The styles are classic and unique.