Qing Porcelain - A Royal Chinese Legacy
Discover Qing (Ch’ing) period (1644-1911) Chinese artefacts from the collection of Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
What is porcelain?
Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating kaolin (China clay), feldspar and quartz in kilns. Kaolin's plasticity creates a strong, durable, and translucent material. The word porcelain is derived from porcellana, used by Marco Polo to describe the pottery he saw in China.
Porcelain and China
The evolution of Chinese ceramics can be traced back to pre-dynastic periods, with the earliest pottery dating to the Paleolithic era. Porcelain, a Chinese innovation has become synonymous with the country that it is commonly referred to as 'China' in everyday English.
Chinese ceramics
Chinese ceramics represent a crucial aspect of both Chinese artistic heritage and the global ceramics landscape. This category encompasses a variety of items, including construction materials like bricks and tiles, as well as hand-crafted pottery.
For the Imperial Court and trade
The hand made pottery is either fired in bonfires or kilns. Chinese ceramics were categorized into three main groups: those produced for the imperial court's use or distribution, those crafted for a discerning Chinese clientele, and those intended for Chinese market or export.
Different uses of ceramics
Qing dynasty civil wars disrupted the Imperial kiln system, leading to a shift in ceramic production and market focus. Certain ceramics were specifically made for burial or altar use.
Innovation in design
Transitional porcelain (1620-1680s) introduced blue and white landscapes and figures. Famille Verte and Famille Rose palettes emerged during the Qing dynasty. This marked a shift in design and colour.
Qing dynasty porcelain
The Qing dynasty (1644–1911) showcased a diverse array of porcelain styles, building upon many innovations established during the Ming period. A particularly notable aspect of this era was the expansion of colour options, primarily through the use of overglaze enamels.
Spectrum of glazes
Qing dynasty porcelain embraced a vibrant array of glaze colours, moving beyond monochrome. New glazing techniques flourished, leading to exquisite blue and white, as well as polychrome pieces for the imperial court.
Qing porcelain at Salar Jung Museum
The museum has an impressive collection of Qing porcelain. The repertoire includes, plates, jars, vases, goblets, tiles and flower pots among others. FAMILLE VERTE and FAMILLE ROSE colour palletes are both present.
Let us check the collection!
Famille Verte plate (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
'Famille Verte' plate
Porcelain circular plate painted in six panels with figures of children, girls and flowers; made at Royal factory Jingdezhen is situated in the north-east of Jiangxi province of China.
This large porcelain flower pot, from Jingdezhen's Royal factory, features four painted panels: a battle, a hunt, a landscape, and a floral vase. It's decorated on a dark blue base, Qing dynasty period, China.
Blue porcelain plate (1662/1722)Salar Jung Museum
Mazarine blue porcelain plate
A stunning blue porcelain plate, adorned with foliage and a perched bird. Made at the Jingdezhen imperial factory in Jiangxi province, China.
Blue and white porcelain jar (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Blue and white porcelain jar
Blue jar without lid representing geometrical designs with flowers and a peacock.
Large blue porcelain plate (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Blue porcelain plate
A large blue porcelain plate features three clawed dragons, gold flames, and geometric rim patterns. A stunning example of Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
Goblet (1644/1911)Salar Jung Museum
Goblet
A light green glazed celadon porcelain goblet with white relief flowers and leaves. Crafted at the Jingdezhen factory.
Huqqa base (1644/1699)Salar Jung Museum
Huqqa base
A 17th-century Chinese huqqa base, shaped like a frog and painted with blue floral and scroll designs. Crafted at the Jingdezhen imperial factory, situated in the north-east of Jiangxi province.
Vase (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Vase
White porcelain vase with masks on either side.
Jar (1701/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Jar with lid
A light green celadon Chinese jar with flying birds in relief and a matching lid. Crafted at the Jingdezhen factory.
Blue plain jar (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Blue porcelain jar
A delicate blue porcelain jar with a lid. Its translucent glaze showcases the beauty of Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
Flower pot (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Flower pot
A blue-glazed Chinese flower pot depicting a pavilion scene with figures. Attendants carry umbrellas, swords, and luggage. A beautiful example of Qing dynasty artistry.
Blue and white porcelain jar (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Blue and white porcelain jar
Blue and White porcelain China jar painted to represent flower branches with leaves all over.
Teapoy (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Teapoy
This intricately carved teapoy boasts gold paint and three animal feet. Its detachable top features blue china tiles and a brass ring depicting dragons.
Vase (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Vase
A porcelain vase with elephant trunk handles, depicting a landscape and goats. Its neck and bottom are adorned with floral designs. Made in Jingdezhen, China in the 19th century.
Vase
The neck and bottom are adorned with intricate floral designs. A feast for the eyes!
Figure of the Buddha (1662/1722)Salar Jung Museum
Figure of The Buddha
A porcelain Buddha, crafted during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722), is painted in elegant blue and chocolate hues. This exquisite piece showcases the artistry of the Qing Dynasty.
Vase (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
'Famille Rose' vase
A 19th-century porcelain vase, adorned with arranged vases, stools, and floral panels. Geometric designs grace the bottom and neck.
Goddess Kwan Yin (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Goddess Kwan Yin
This porcelain figure depicts Kwan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion and mercy. Crafted at Jingdezhen's imperial factory, it exemplifies Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
Vase (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Vase with emblems
A 19th-century blue and white porcelain vase. Its design features repeated emblems around its body. A beautiful example of Qing dynasty artistry.
Garden seat (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
Garden-seat
A porcelain garden-seat adorned with painted dragons. Crafted at the Jingdezhen Imperial factory in Jiangxi province, China.
Dragon
A legendary creature in Chinese mythology and culture; symbolizes potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water.
A five-clawed dragon, crafted during the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1736-95). Its brown, yellow, and light green paintwork showcases exquisite detail.
FAMILLE VERTE goblet (1644/1912)Salar Jung Museum
'Famille Verte' goblet
This six-sided goblet, from Jingdezhen's Royal factory, features birds and flowers. A classic example of Famille Verte porcelain.
Dog of Buddha (1661/1722)Salar Jung Museum
Dog of Buddha
Porcelain figure of the dog of Buddha, who can turn into a lion, seated on his hind legs painted in blue colour; during reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722).
Vase (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Vase
This porcelain vase depicts vibrant dragons in blue and red on a dark background. Intricate green designs adorn the lower body. A truly unique piece.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Shri Ashish Goyal, IIS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References –
1. Jenyns, Soame (1977) Late Chinese porcelain: The Ch’ing dynasty (1644-1912), London:
Faber and Faber.
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Qing-dynasty (accessed 21.11.2024)
3.https://www.britannica.com/art/porcelain(accessed 19.12.2024)
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