Underglaze Red

Underglaze Red (釉下红) refers to porcelain decorated with copper-based pigment applied beneath a transparent glaze, fired at high temperature. The tradition developed at Jingdezhen beginning in the Yuan period, achieved technical refinement under the Xuande reign (1426–1435) of the Ming dynasty, and continued with variation in the Qing period. Underglaze red is technically distinct from overglaze enamels and from underglaze-blue decoration, requiring precise control of kiln atmosphere and temperature to stabilize the red coloration.

Historical Development

During the Yuan period, workshops at Jingdezhen began experimenting with copper pigment for underglaze application. The copper oxide pigment was unstable under reducing kiln conditions, often producing washed-out pink, gray-brown, or mottled tones. Despite difficulty controlling the pigment, distinctive floral and abstract motifs were produced.

Under the Ming Xuande reign, the imperial kilns achieved a high level of technical control, producing stable and vivid red tones. This period represents the most highly regarded examples of underglaze-red porcelain, featuring balanced design, even glaze, and controlled pigment depth.

In the Qing period, underglaze red continued to be used, although often in conjunction with overglaze enamel systems. Variants with combined underglaze red and underglaze blue also appear.

Technical Characteristics

Body: High-fired white porcelain body produced at Jingdezhen, refined from kaolin and porcelain stone.

Pigment: Copper oxide applied in brushwork prior to glazing.

Glaze: Transparent or faintly bluish feldspathic glaze applied over the decorated surface.

Firing: High-temperature reduction firing is required to develop the red color. Minor variations in kiln atmosphere result in:

Bright crimson red (ideal outcome)
Pale pink wash
Gray or sepia discoloration
Mottled or uneven tonality

The narrow margin of success contributed to the rarity and prestige of stable underglaze-red wares.

Decorative Motifs

Typical motifs include:

Peony, lotus, and other floral scrolls
Fish, dragon, or cloud patterns
Abstracted or rhythmic line decoration

Brushwork is executed with controlled pigment loading, anticipating changes during firing.

Forms

Common vessel forms include:

Bowls with interior or exterior decoration
Dish forms with central medallions
Meiping vases
Round-bodied jars

Proportions emphasize controlled profile curvature suited to imperial standards during the Xuande period.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Underglaze red is significant for:

Demonstrating advanced pigment and kiln-atmosphere control at Jingdezhen
Representing a major innovation in Chinese ceramic surface technology
Serving as a distinguishing indicator of imperial production quality in the Ming court
Providing key chronological markers for porcelain classification in museums and archaeology

Related Pages

References

Kerr, Rose. Chinese Ceramics. Victoria and Albert Museum.
Li Zhiyan et al., eds. Chinese Ceramics (Zhongguo taoci).
Wood, Nigel. Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry and Re-creation.