Identification of Porcelain Patterns in the Ming and Qing Dynasties - Volume on Flower and Bird Patterns (Old Antiques Series)

Author: Tie Yuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Flowers, birds, plants, and insects are a major category of traditional decorative patterns on Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain, with rich themes and broad content. Especially the mandarin ducks, symbolizing loyal and unchanging love, as well as the delicately depicted peacocks and grasshoppers, have always been themes expressed by Ming and Qing porcelain. Their painting styles are diverse—official kilns are renowned for their meticulous and rigorous craftsmanship, while folk kilns are celebrated for their freehand and unrestrained brushwork, with distinct characteristics of the era and kiln origins. This book includes nearly five hundred pieces of Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain adorned with flowers, birds, plants, and insects, categorized into twenty chapters based on the depicted subjects: Mandarin Duck Patterns, Crane Patterns, Magpie Patterns, Peacock Patterns, Pheasant Patterns, Goose Patterns, Quail Patterns, Eagle Patterns, Egret Patterns, Kingfisher Patterns, Silk Ribbon Patterns, Swallow Patterns, Parrot Patterns, Oriole Patterns, White-Crowned Wagtail Patterns, Other Flower and Bird Patterns, Chicken Patterns, Butterfly Patterns, and Grasshopper Patterns. The book provides in-depth yet accessible discussions on the composition, painting techniques, and colors of the patterns, along with the dating and identification of each piece. The discussions not only compare different patterns within the same era but also contrast similar patterns across different dynasties, as well as highlight the similarities and differences between official and folk kilns. The book also offers detailed critiques of forgeries designed to deceive. At the end of each chapter, enlarged images of relevant pieces are included to assist readers in identifying differences in detail, providing strong evidence for dating and identifying porcelain based on decorative patterns.