Chinese Jun Porcelain

Author: Yan Fuli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The National Tenth Five-Year Plan Key Book Chinese Jun Porcelain, edited by Professor Yan Fuli, revolves around the scientific, archaeological, and artistic values of Jun porcelain, comprehensively, systematically, and completely showcasing the development of Chinese Jun porcelain, reflecting its entirety. This book is currently the most comprehensive classic work in China that fully reflects the national characteristics of Jun porcelain. It fills the gaps in the theory of Jun porcelain craftsmanship and appreciation. The publication of this book holds significant importance not only for the exploration, preservation, and protection of national cultural heritage, as well as the accumulation of outstanding Chinese historical culture, but also for promoting national spirit, enhancing national self-esteem, and conducting patriotic education. Especially in the current economic development, the publication of this book plays a positive role in revitalizing traditional crafts and helping traditional Jun porcelain artifacts reach a broader market.
The book is divided into four chapters: The Origin and Development of Jun Porcelain, Jun Porcelain Craftsmanship, Jun Porcelain Authentication, and Appreciation and Collection of Jun Porcelain. With a unique perspective, the author meticulously traces, examines, and uncovers the long history of Chinese Jun porcelain over millennia, brushing away the dust of history and harvesting the various artistic gems of Jun porcelain, guiding us to appreciate its rustic, profound, wise, and artistic charm.
In the first chapter, The Origin and Development of Jun Porcelain, the author systematically elaborates on the era of Jun porcelain's origin, historical background, and objective conditions, providing a detailed introduction to its evolution, the rise and fall of different historical periods, and its historical and cultural connotations. The author presents new theoretical viewpoints and unique insights with solid evidence, such as tracing the origin of Jun porcelain to the blue-spotted celadon porcelain of the Sui Dynasty, and proposing the theory that Jun kilns moved frequently during the Jin and Yuan periods due to fuel shortages based on craftsmanship. This chapter uses a wealth of precious historical artifact images, historical materials, and environmental photographs, complemented by concise textual explanations, to design layouts that immerse readers as if they were visiting a museum, transporting them into history and providing a vivid sense of being there, offering a detailed understanding of the origins of Jun porcelain.
Scientific rigor is the soul of this book. The artistic and archaeological value of Jun porcelain is based on technological advancements. Without scientific foundation, its artistic and archaeological value would lack support and appear hollow. Conversely, the deeper the exploration of science, the greater its artistic and archaeological value. Therefore, in the second chapter, Jun Porcelain Craftsmanship, the author discards the conservative and restrictive customs of traditional folk artisans, boldly unveiling the mysteries of Jun porcelain craftsmanship with a scientific approach. It provides a detailed introduction to the raw materials of Jun porcelain, the preparation process of Jun porcelain body materials, shaping, drying and bisque firing, glazing, and firing techniques, with particular attention to research and discussion from a craftsmanship perspective. It also offers a concentrated, systematic, and in-depth introduction to the mechanism of copper-red glaze kiln transformation and the theory of phase separation glaze. Rigorous text is complemented by numerous practical operation diagrams, ink-and-wash illustrations, and explanatory diagrams, creating an interactive experience that makes readers feel as if they are inside a Jun porcelain workshop, appreciating both the scientific theories and the vivid creation process. This book is the most detailed monograph to date on Jun porcelain craftsmanship. It also serves as a comprehensive summary of Jun porcelain craftsmanship before 2003, making it highly valuable as a historical resource.
Intuitive and operational clarity is another key feature of this book. In the third chapter, Jun Porcelain Authentication, the author explains the significance of authenticating ancient Jun porcelain, the content of authentication, and specific methods for identifying it. It introduces the general, characteristics, typical artifacts, and counterfeits of Jun porcelain from different periods. It also reveals little-known methods of forging ancient Jun porcelain fakes, making it easier for people to identify various types of counterfeit artifacts. The authentication and forgery sections are well-reasoned and clear, with data used wherever possible. Representative artifacts from each period, premium pieces unearthed archaeologically, rare pieces collected by collectors, and modern masterpieces are all presented with exquisite images, complementing the author's explanations. Whether elegant, dignified, exquisite, lustrous, or rich in meaning, these images not only help readers understand the knowledge of Jun porcelain authentication but also allow them to appreciate its charm and allure.
An expert predicted: "With the publication of this book, the livelihoods of three types of people will be threatened: antique dealers, sellers of inferior Jun porcelain, and counterfeit Jun porcelain makers." The combination of academic rigor and accessibility is a distinctive feature of this book. Jun porcelain is both a profound science and a beloved art. Its appeal lies in its high artistic achievements and captivating charm, reflecting the great spirit and diverse cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. For example: Tang Jun is "heavy and profound," Song Jun is "elegant," Yuan Jun is "rough and bold," Ming Jun is "vibrant," and Qing Jun is "ethereal." How can readers be guided to appreciate and discover the beauty of Jun porcelain? The fourth chapter, Appreciation and Collection of Jun Porcelain, provides a detailed, broad, and in-depth analysis of its aesthetic value and the basic methods of appreciating Jun porcelain, proposing the "Six Aspects and Six Grades" theory of Jun porcelain appreciation and the concept of "divine, extraordinary, marvelous, unparalleled, famous, and valuable." It combines rigorous scientific analysis with straightforward and simple explanations. The text is fluent and easy to understand, with images and concise annotations complementing the main text on almost every page. Representative masterpieces are magnified for appreciation, described with elegant and concise language, allowing readers to savor the details. Reading this book is a pleasure.
The book is rich in content, novel, and authoritative. Author Yan Fuli is a senior art teacher, researcher at the Ceramic Culture Research Center of Zhengzhou University, part-time professor, former vice director of the Jun Porcelain Research Institute in Yuci City, and current director of the Ceramic Art Committee of the China Folk Art Association and vice chairman of the Henan Folk Art Association. He has been awarded the titles of "Chinese Folk Art Craftsman" and "Chinese Folk Art Master" by UNESCO and the China Folk Art Association. He has made significant breakthroughs in Jun porcelain craftsmanship, inventing and pioneering the use of liquefied gas and natural gas for firing Jun porcelain, which is hailed as a milestone in the history of Jun porcelain firing. In Jun porcelain theoretical research, he has unique insights, forming a relatively complete system for the history, craftsmanship theory, and appreciation theory of Jun porcelain, exerting considerable influence in the ceramic field. In Jun porcelain artistic creation, he has developed a unique artistic style. In 1997, he designed the large Jun porcelain vase "Yuxiang Songbao" as a gift for the return of Hong Kong to China, which was highly commended. In 1999, his Jun porcelain vase "Wind and Rain in Harmony" was permanently collected by the Great Hall of the People. He has designed gifts for state leaders on multiple occasions for international visits. In the 2003 and 2004 editions of the Boao Asia Forum, his Jun porcelain vases "Auspicious Jun" and "Jun Qianquan" were used as official gifts for leaders. His works have won numerous gold medals in recent Chinese folk art exhibitions.
Works bearing his name are often snatched up by viewers at exhibitions before they even end, eagerly sought at high prices. Over the 30 years he has dedicated to Jun porcelain, he has not only inherited the essence of traditional craftsmanship but also introduced numerous innovations: in the selection of soil for Jun porcelain, its shaping, the creation of new patterns, the innovation of kilns, and the development of Jun porcelain theory. His footsteps of innovation are evident in every aspect. He has integrated his meticulous research, innovations, and a wealth of precious artifact materials into this profound and extensive masterpiece. The scientific rigor, authority, richness, completeness, and reliability of the book's content make it a work that combines readability with knowledge. Its exquisite design and numerous rare images of Jun porcelain masterpieces give it the same collectible value as Jun porcelain artworks and the qualities of a gift book, making it an ideal choice for regional-themed gifts. It is believed that the publication of this book will be highly favored by Jun porcelain art enthusiasts, artists, traders, critics, collectors, ceramic experts, folk art experts, and theorists.