Jingdezhen Porcelain Plate Painting Fine Art Appraisal

Author: Zheng Niansheng / Liu Yang (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Porcelain pieces presented in the form of panels are the result of the continuous perfection of ceramic production techniques. The emergence of porcelain panels provided the material basis for porcelain panel paintings. According to relevant materials, porcelain panel paintings with smooth and glossy surfaces, as well as artistic painting forms, began to appear in the mid-Ming Dynasty. Porcelain panel paintings are both porcelain and paintings—they represent a new category of ceramic art that has broken free from purely decorative craftsmanship and integrated with literati painting. Over the centuries, porcelain panel paintings have found a developmental space at the intersection of ceramic art and painting art, demonstrating vigorous vitality and elevating ceramic art to higher realms, endowing it with a purer cultural character. The development of porcelain panel painting art is part of the broader development of Jingdezhen ceramics. It possesses both the distinctiveness of different eras and the uniqueness of individual artistic expression. "Appreciating the Masterpieces of Jingdezhen Porcelain Panel Paintings" is able to cover this topic comprehensively, compiling the works of masters from various periods, which is indeed no easy feat.
[Preface]
[Postscript]
At the end of the 20th century, we began our research on the art of Jingdezhen porcelain panel paintings as an opportunity to compile the four-volume work "Appreciating the Masterpieces of Jingdezhen Ceramic Art." In 1999, Mr. Zhao Ronghua edited and published "Treasures of Porcelain Panel Paintings," which aptly sums up the saying, "You think you're early, but there are always those who came even earlier." This further motivated us to explore a new path in researching, appreciating, and collecting porcelain panel paintings. Over the years, we overcame numerous difficulties and inconveniences, collected historical materials, investigated renowned porcelain painters, and devoted our resources to gathering porcelain panel paintings and images. Through the changing seasons, we labored in hardship yet found joy in our efforts. We have been working on this project for over two years, toiling at our desks and pouring our hearts into the writing, feeling both physically and mentally exhausted. All for the purpose of exploring the developmental trajectory of Jingdezhen porcelain panel paintings and showcasing their artistic style.
When the book finally goes to print, reviewing the images and texts, although we have selected over 400 works by more than 100 porcelain panel painting masters from various periods, we still feel as though we are only catching a glimpse of the whole. Especially during the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the works of some porcelain painters have been scarce, making systematic organization extremely challenging. Thus, the omissions and shortcomings in this book leave us deeply regretful. Moreover, art is difficult to define, and our comments are merely personal opinions, unrefined and spontaneous.
During our years of investigation, collection, and organization, we received immense support from ceramic artists and scholars such as Wang Xiliang, Qin Xilin, Xu Huawen, Wang Guiying, Wang Enhuai, Liu Ping, Lu Ru, Fang Xun, Li Wenyue, Xiao Zhensong, and Zou Xiaosong, for which we are profoundly grateful. During the writing process of this book, we were also kindly assisted by colleagues such as Lu Fushi, Ma Ronghua, Zhuang Xinxing, Zhao Ronghua, Luo Xiaotao, Luo Xuezheng, Cao Chunsheng, Dai Mingrong, and Wang Pingsun. Special thanks go to Mr. Geng Baochang, a porcelain appraisal expert at the Palace Museum and a standing member of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee, who took the time to review some of the image materials and kindly inscribed the book's title. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Deng Bai, a senior figure in ceramic research, who, despite being 97 years old, happily wrote the preface for this book, his support and encouragement unforgettable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all mentioned above. We are also grateful to Shanghai Fine Arts Publishing House for recognizing the value of this book and publishing "Appreciating the Masterpieces of Jingdezhen Porcelain Panel Paintings," giving us the opportunity to await the readers' corrections and guidance.