Civil War Porcelain Identification: Patterns, Markings, Authenticity

Author: Tie Yuan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A Special Study on Republican-Era Porcelain is the first comprehensive monograph dedicated to Republican-era porcelain in China. The book is divided into two volumes: the first volume is A Special Study on Republican-Era Porcelain—Body, Glaze, and Painting, and the second volume is A Special Study on Republican-Era Porcelain—Patterns, Inscriptions, and Authenticity. This book is the second volume, which includes six parts: Republican-era porcelain and potters, patterns of Republican-era porcelain, inscriptions on Republican-era porcelain, identification of Republican-era porcelain imitating Ming and Qing styles, identification of modern imitations of Republican-era porcelain, and six appendices. It features over 700 images. The book showcases works by renowned painters such as Pan Taoyu and Wang Xiaotang from the early Republican era; the celebrated Eight Masters of Zhu Mountain; Wang Bu, the "Blue-and-White King"; and masters of famille rose such as Wang Dacang, Zhang Zhitang, and Fang Yunfeng. Additionally, it includes works by veteran artisans like Xu Shangli and Pan Zhaotang. The book provides a relatively complete representation of the characteristics of Republican-era porcelain. The patterns section, while focusing on certain themes such as romantic pastoral landscapes, vibrant floral and feather designs, and richly detailed figures and animals, also includes works that express national concerns, the joys and sorrows of the people, and those wearing modern clothing and the five-colored flag. These less-seen works are sure to offer readers a fresh perspective. The inscriptions section features not only imitation ancient inscriptions and dated inscriptions, but is particularly rich in factory and shop inscriptions (nearly 100 types) and personal inscriptions (over 200 types). The inscriptions are presented in both traditional seals and lengthy inscriptions, which were unprecedented in earlier dynasties. These diverse inscriptions provide valuable insights into the development and changes in Republican-era porcelain production. The authenticity identification section is a highlight of the book, covering not only Republican-era imitations of ancient porcelain but also imitations of Republican-era porcelain and modern imitations, with a particular emphasis on the latter. The book offers detailed analyses of the various manifestations of imitations, differences in techniques, and cultural disparities among imitators, all presented in a clear and concise manner. The section on Republican-era porcelain and potters profiles over 100 individuals from the Republican era, including ceramic industrialists, educators, master potters, and decorative artists, with content that is both thorough and reliable, showcasing the rise and fall of the Republican-era porcelain industry. The appendices include rare works such as the Illustration Collection of the Jingdezhen Ceramic Art Research Society (published in 1921) and the List of Jingdezhen Porcelain Patterns, Shapes, Specifications, and Prices During the Republican Era. The former is extremely valuable, not only allowing readers to appreciate the styles of renowned artists on paper but also serving as an excellent reference for modern decorative porcelain. The latter covers nearly thousands of porcelain types produced in Jingdezhen at the time, ranging from large vases holding thousands of pieces to small exquisite treasures, including round, carved, and sculpted pieces in blue-and-white,, and famille rose styles.