Jingdezhen porcelain
Jingdezhen porcelain (景德镇瓷) refers to the porcelain traditions developed in and around the city of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province, China. Known historically as the “Porcelain Capital” (瓷都), Jingdezhen has been a major center of Chinese ceramic production for over 1,700 years, and the primary source of imperial porcelain from the Song dynasty onward. The city became internationally influential through global export networks during the Ming and Qing periods, shaping ceramic aesthetics across East Asia, the Islamic world, and Europe.
Historical Background
Archaeological evidence shows ceramic production in the Jingdezhen region as early as the East Han period. The city rose to national prominence during the Song dynasty, when its refined white porcelain and translucent bluish qingbai ware became prized across the empire. During the Yuan period, Jingdezhen developed the technique of cobalt "blue-and-white" underglaze decoration, creating one of the most recognizable Chinese ceramic styles.
Under the Ming and Qing dynasties, large imperial kilns were established, producing porcelain for court use, tribute, and diplomatic exchange. Thousands of craftsmen worked in specialized workshops, forming one of the most advanced pre-modern industrial production systems in the world.
Materials and Techniques
Jingdezhen porcelain is typically made from a combination of:
- Kaolin (高岭土) – provides plasticity and whiteness
- Porcelain stone (瓷石) – contributes translucency and strength
The craft traditionally involves:
- Crushing and washing raw clay materials
- Pugging and kneading the clay
- Wheel-throwing or mold-form production
- Trimming and smoothing the form
- Biscuit firing
- Application of underglaze or overglaze decorations
- Glaze firing at high temperatures
Jingdezhen firing temperatures commonly reach **1300°C**.
Characteristic Styles
| Style | Translation / Notes | Period of Prominence |
|---|---|---|
| 青白瓷 (Qingbai) | Pale blue-white translucent ware | Song – Yuan |
| 青花瓷 (Blue-and-white) | Cobalt underglaze decoration | Yuan – Qing – Present |
| 五彩 (Wucai) | Polychrome overglaze enamels | Ming – Qing |
| 粉彩 (Fencai / Famille Rose) | Soft enamel tones, pink palette | Qing – Present |
| 珐琅彩 (Falangcai) | Palace enamel painting on porcelain | Early Qing court kilns |
Cultural Significance
Jingdezhen porcelain has historically served as:
- Imperial tableware and ceremonial gifts
- Diplomatic tribute objects
- Major export goods via the Maritime Silk Road
- Cultural symbols of refinement, craftsmanship, and Chinese identity
The distribution of Jingdezhen ware influenced ceramic development in:
- Korea and Japan
- Southeast Asia
- The Middle East
- Europe (Meissen, Delft, Sèvres)
Modern Production
Jingdezhen remains an active center of porcelain production, combining:
- Traditional workshop crafts
- State-supported heritage preservation
- Experimental studio ceramics and art porcelain
- Contemporary design and international ceramic artist residencies
The city hosts major ceramic markets and the annual Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair.
Related Terms and Pages
References
- Kerr, Rose. Chinese Ceramics: Porcelain of Jingdezhen. V&A Publications.
- Li Zhiyan, ed. Jingdezhen Ceramics Through the Ages. Chinese Academy of Arts.
- Medley, Margaret. The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics.