China and Sweden, Treasured Memories, Forbidden City exhibition 2005

The Swedish exhibition of Chinese Porcelain at the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2005

Third Section

West Meets East
Western Style Porcelain in the Forbidden City

Any cultural understanding requires cultural exchanges and interactions. Only through some form of cultural exchange can one achieve the next step of cultural learning. Development of sailing technologies shortened the distance between the West and the East and allowed people to better connect with one another. The widespread Chinese porcelain trade had affected all of Europe by the late 17th and early 18th century. At the same time, Chinese rulers also adopted European arts, technologies and culture. The Chinese began their venture on Western arts the day they started their porcelain exports. Sumaliqing, a special kind of imported blue and white cobalt was used as decoration on the Ming porcelain. The deep and strong color together with its exotic style and pattern created a unique artistic charm.

The period between the latter half of the 17th century and early 18th century was the most flourishing period for Chinese porcelain trade. Chinese emperors started to appreciate European arts and technologies, and brought them to the Forbidden City, which slowly opened itself to the Western World. Many Western artisans, painters, and architects were invited to work in the Imperial Workshop. In 1719, the 58th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, a French enamel specialist named Jean Baptist Gravereau was invited to the Imperial Palace. He came with the techniques that would benefit the future porcelain with painted enamel. In the beginning, enamel was painted on copper objects but later on porcelain.

Painted enamel was most developed during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. Though different in the theme and the pattern, the western painting style and the perspective techniques used all indicated strong European influence. Emperor Kangxi used flowers as the main motif on enamel-painted porcelain; Emperor Yongzheng preferred a combination of poem, calligraphy, painting and seal. Emperor Qianlong was the one using more Western figures. Painted enamel was reserved for imperial use in the Qing Court because it was rare in number and was mainly imported. Porcelain with painted enamel had a very special position in the porcelain history because of the 3-dimentional visual effect and exquisite decoration. Although they only count a small part of the Palace Museum porcelain collection, every piece is excellent.

The development of Chinese porcelain opened China to Western arts and technologies. The introduction of painted enamel was also a process of localization.

Ji Wei

Blue and White Brimmed Dish with Flower and Fruit Pattern, Yongle

153. Blue and White Brimmed Dish with Flower and Fruit Pattern
Yongle period, Ming dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 37.8 cm
Diameter of Foot: 24.2 cm
Height: 7 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Round w/brim unglazed on the outer surface of the bottom. Decorated overall w/blue and white designs. Melon pattern in center is surrounded by interlocking lotuses. Brim is decorated with a sea wave pattern; outer surface w/Chinese crabapple flowers, apricots, peaches, lychee, grapes and guava. Sumaliqing, imported cobalt pigment, was used in the paint. The dish has a vivid design; a wonderful example of blue and white porcelain of Yongle period, Ming dynasty.

Yongle period Blue and White Double-Eared Flask with Interlocking Lotus Branch Patterns

154. Blue and White Double-Eared Flask with Interlocking Lotus Branch Patterns
Yongle period, Ming dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 5.4 cm
Diameter of Foot: 33.7 cm
Height: 30.4 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

One side of this short-necked flask is flat and its bottom unglazed. Decorated overall w/blue and white designs, the central part is decorated w/wave pattern. The body and part around the top center are decorated w/interlocking lotus branches. On the neck of the flask, are flower and interlocking flower patterns. Flask is also known as Sleeping Bottle, imitating the form of Arabian bronze. IA product of cultural exchange featuring unique form and fine technique.

High Foot Blue and White Bowl with Flower and Twig Pattern

155. High Foot Blue and White Bowl with Flower and Twig Pattern
Xuande period, Ming dynasty
Mouth: 15.8 cm
Foot: 7.9 cm
Height: 18.7 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Flared mouth and broad bottom supported by a flared hollow foot. Inside the bowl, a lotus pattern is painted in the center and there are Ruyi patterns around the rim. Outer surface painted w/flowers and twigs separated by lotus pattern. Four Chinese characters reading from right to left Xuande Nian Zhi (Made in Xuande period) beneath the rim.

Bowl is well shaped and the color strong. Ferric oxide spots are obvious. Typical of Xuande blue and white porcelain of Ming period and very popular in later generations. There were lots of imitations during the Ming and Qing dynasties, among which, those made in the Zhengde period of the Ming and Yongzheng period of Qing dynasties were most close to the original.

lue and White Plate in Chrysanthemum Form with Figure Pattern

156. Blue and White Plate in Chrysanthemum Form with Figure Pattern
Kangxi period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 27 cm
Diameter of Foot: 13.6 cm
Height: 4.6 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Slightly raised brim and a round bottom. On the surface of outer bottom, the Chinese character Yu (Jade) written in Kai style. Decorated w/blue and white patterns outside, plate has a diamond pattern around the rim; inside is a peony w/leaves. Central motif is landscape w/pavilions and human figures. Four flowers are painted on outer surface. It is light but strong. Beautiful and fresh in blue and white its design; pattern and painting style typical of exported porcelain.

Polychrome Junchi (Kendi) with Flower and Bird Pattern

157. Polychrome Junchi (Kendi) with Flower and Bird Pattern
Kangxi period, Qing dynasty.
Diameter of Mouth:5.5 cm
Diameter of Foot: 6 cm
Height: 17.2cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Narrow, long neck, round belly and round foot. On one side, a bulbous shaped spout. Overall white glaze and polychrome flower and bird patterns, elegant and natural. Mouth and spout are lidded and decorated with silver. Silver chain links the spout and mouth. Junchi was popular in late Ming and early Qing dynasties and used as water containers in Buddhist tradition. The white glaze and the red design present a solemn elegance.

Kangxi period Yellow Enamel Bowl with Peony Patterns

158. Yellow Enamel Bowl with Peony Patterns
Kangxi period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 15.2 cm
Diameter of Foot: 5.7 cm
Height: 7.2 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Kangxi period Yellow Enamel Bowl with Peony Patterns, mark

Flared mouth, round body and round base. Outside surface is yellow enamel decorated w/peony pattern; inside is white glazed. Outer surface of bottom is inscribed w/four red Chinese characters Kangxi Yu Zhi (Made by imperial order of Kangxi.) Porcelain with painted enamel technique started in the Kangxi period and required very high skills; it was, therefore, reserved for the imperial family. The coloring material used in painted enamel had to be imported at that time. Fascinated by Western technology, Emperor Kangxi ordered this beautiful decoration technique used on porcelain. This bowl is refined and well painted. The peony looks real against the yellow background. This decoration style reveals imperial taste of the time.

Kangxi, Red Enamel Bowl with Flower Patterns

159. Red Enamel Bowl with Flower Patterns
Kangxi period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 10.7 cm
Diameter of Foot: 4.6 cm
Height: 5.6 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Kangxi period, Red Enamel Bowl with Flower Patterns, mark

This bowl has a flared mouth, deep body and round foot. Inside bowl is white glazed w/o decoration. Outside decorated w/flowers on red background. Outer surface of bottom is inscribed w/four Chinese characters in blue Kangxi Yu Zhi (Made by imperial order of Kangxi.) Design is well organized, richly colored and vividly painted--a good example of the painted enamel porcelain of Kangxi period.

Qianlong period, Plate with Western Figure Design

160. Plate with Western Figure Design
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 12.6 cm
Diameter of Foot: 7.3 cm
Height: 2.7 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Slightly flared w/no mark or seal. In the center is mid-length portrait of a Western lady in semi-profile wearing a shawl, necklace and hair ornaments. There is a circle of gilded border on a red background near the rim and another beaded pattern in green and red. The outside surface of the plate is smooth and undecorated.

Porcelain with initials or armorial designs in the center is known as armorial porcelain. The decoration design was brought to China by European merchants and painted by Chinese artists. It is white and exquisite, well painted in purple, blue and green. The design is highly decorative and Occidental, suggesting the flourishing development of porcelain export in the Qianlong period.
Qianlong period, Armorial famille-rose Plate

161. Armorial famille-rose Plate
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of the Mouth: 12.7 cm
Diameter of the Foot: 7.3 cm
Height: 2.1 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

This plate has a slightly raised brim and is without any year mark. There are gilt flower patterns on the blue background around the rim. Four famille rose flowers are placed evenly on the inside surface of the plate with a famille rose crown under a garland canopy. There are two shields below the crown. The inscription on the blue ribbon is SPAAN: ONRUSI. The outer surface is smooth without decoration. With bright and green glaze in a formal shape. Made for the European market during the Qianlong period.

Canton Color Cup with Flower Pattern, Qianlong period

162. Canton Color Cup with Flower Pattern
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 8.6 cm
Diameter of Foot: 4.9 cm
Height: 8.8 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

This cup is deep and slightly flared. Inside, it is white glazed and decorated with blue beaded patterns around the rim. The outside surface is a blue background with famille rose flowers painted in white medallions. The inner surface of the base is also glazed white. An example of the best Canton coloring technique, it is beautifully decorated and vividly glazed.

Figure Bowl with Two Ears, Qianlong period

163. Figure Bowl with Two Ears
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 14.8 cm
Diameter of Foot: 8 cm
Height: 6.5 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Decorated with two ears. There is no mark inside the white glazed base rim. A red coiling grass pattern is painted around the inside rim. There are two groups of painting on the outer surface. Beneath the two ears are landscape and flower patterns. The central features are two symmetrical paintings. One is a pleasure garden with green grass and a tree. A scholar sits on a stone stool with a teacup in his hand. A maid stands next to him holding a tea tray. The other painting is of a child's lesson in the garden. A couple is teaching their son; the father is sitting with a flower in his hand while the mother stands close with her hand on the head of the boy who stands next to his father.

The heavy, strong glaze, together with the shape and painting style, reveal the export nature of the bowl.

Qianlong period, Canton Color Figure Bowl

164. Canton Color Figure Bowl
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 26 cm
Diameter of Foot: 13.2 cm
Height: 10.2 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

This round, deep bowl is decorated with Canton coloring on all sides with Western landscape and figure paintings. The bisque ware was first made in Jingdezhen and then transported to Canton. Artisans painted it in Western styles and had it fired on the southern bank of the Pearl River. That is how Canton coloring came into being. The porcelain colored in Canton was for export. The most common colors were red, green and gold with Western style decoration.

Enamel Gourd Shaped Vase with Two Ears and Western Figures, Qianlong period

165. Enamel Gourd Shaped Vase with Two Ears and Western Figures
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 0.8 cm
Foot: 2.8×2.1 cm
Height: 10 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

In the form of a gourd, the vase has a small mouth and square bottom with two symmetrical ears. There are four groups of paintings on the yellow background-smaller landscapes on the upper part and Western figures on the larger lower part. The pattern of curling leaves is used to separate the paintings. Four Chinese characters in Kai style Qianlong Nian Zhi (Year mark of Qianlong's reign) are written in blue on the outer surface of the bottom.

Oil painting skills were used in vase decoration. Vivid color and perspective techniques made the vase a rare piece of art of the painted enamel porcelain in the Qianlong period.

Qianlong period, Enamel Vase with puce Landscape Pattern

166. Enamel Vase with puce Landscape Pattern
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 2.2 cm
Diameter of Foot: 2.2 cm
Height: 9.6 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Qianlong period, Enamel Vase with puce Landscape Pattern, mark

This vase has a slightly flared mouth and a narrow neck. The belly is like a barrel and the foot is round. The overall glaze of this vase is white with decorated with a landscape painting in red. Where the neck meets the body, is a poem line inscription Wan feng qing lu dian (Dewy mountain top on a clear evening). There are several seal inscriptions and four Chinese characters Qianlong Nian Zhi (Made in Qianlong Period) written in two lines on the outer surface of the bottom.

Double-eared Enamel Vase with Lotus Pattern, Qianlong period

167. Double-eared Enamel Vase with Lotus Pattern
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 5.5 cm
Diameter of Foot: 6.1 cm
Height: 14.1 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Double-eared Enamel Vase with Lotus Pattern, Qianlong period, mark

The vase has a slightly flared mouth, short neck, round belly and high foot. The outer surface of the vase is coated with deformed lotus patterns on a gilt background. The inner surface of the vase is turquoise glazed and decorated with several gilt loop and a pair of ears at the shoulders. Four Chinese characters Qianlong Nian Zhi (Made in Qianlong period) are inscribed in black on green on the outer surface of the bottom.

This vase represents the best of the enamel painting technique in the late Qianlong period. The shape of the vase is an imitation of the ancient bronze. However, the flower patterns on the gilt background represent the glory and extravagance of the Qing court in Qianlong period.

Red-Purple Enamel Teapot, Qianlong Imperial ware

168. Red-Purple Enamel Teapot
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Diameter of Mouth: 6.9 cm
Diameter of Foot: 7 cm
Overall height: 11.8 cm
Collection of the Palace Museum

Red-Purple Enamel Teapot, Qianlong Imperial ware, mark

The mouth of the teapot is slightly flared. It has a round body and base. The surface of the teapot is a ruby red color with patterns of banana leaves around the shoulder, bottom and spout. The lid is round and decorated with curling patterns, its top surrounded by petal designs. On the surface of the bottom, are blue inscriptions of Qianlong Nian Zhi (Made in Qianlong period) in Kai style.

Enamel teapots of the Qianlong period, especially those of monogram design, are rare. This fine teapot is definitely a work of art.



 

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