Qing Dynasty Kangxi Porcelain: Underglaze Blue and Red Scroll

Author: Tie Yuan / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
Qianlong underglaze red and blue underglaze ware is one of the underglaze decoration varieties of porcelain, where both blue and red glazes are applied to the same piece. Since the blue glaze is made of cobalt and the red glaze is made of copper, their properties differ, as do their firing temperatures and requirements for kiln atmosphere. Therefore, applying both glazes to a single piece and achieving just the right shades of red and blue is not an easy task. Underglaze red is commonly known as "blue and purple," and it has been produced since the Yuan Dynasty in Jingdezhen kilns. It continued to be made during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces are loved by people worldwide for their vibrant blue hues and pure red glaze colors. Additionally, their diverse shapes and relatively large surviving quantities provide collectors with more opportunities to appreciate their exquisite craftsmanship.
During the Qianlong period, the blue glaze was rich and vibrant, while the underglaze red glaze was stable but relatively subdued, less so than during the Yongzheng era. The red glaze often featured green moss-like spots, which were also quite beautiful. The underglaze red glaze exhibited varying shades, from deep to light, creating a harmonious and unified color scheme. The depictions of flowers, birds, and green leaves with red flowers were more in the style of freehand brushwork.
Common shapes of Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces include meiping (plum vase), yuhuchun vases, tiqiu vases, disc-mouthed vases, garlic-head vases, hexagonal vases, beaked vases, wash-mouthed vases, square-style vases, flower-shaped wine cups, basins, lidded cups, jars, pots, snuff bottles, plates, stacked plates, bowls, pen holders, and water droppers.
Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces come in a rich variety, including not only the common white-ground underglaze red and blue but also those on jade-green, sky-blue, green, sky-blue, yellow, and light-green grounds. These fully demonstrate the diversity of Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces.
Yellow-ground and light-green-ground underglaze red and blue pieces were mostly made by imperial kilns and were of high quality. For example, the shallow green-ground underglaze red and blue double-eared flat pot features blue-and-white waves at the bottom and underglaze red fire pearl dragons and blue-and-white clouds on the abdomen.
Yellow-ground and light-green-ground underglaze red and blue pieces were also made by both imperial and civilian kilns, with the latter producing more in quantity. These had diverse shapes and decorations, with large bottles being particularly common. They were either directly painted or decorated with carved designs.
Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces often feature patterns such as the "Three Friends of Winter," pine and deer, flowers and fruits, clouds and dragons, chilong (a mythical dragon), sea dragons, clouds and bats, lion balls, plum and sparrows, three fruits, the Eight Immortals, and inscriptions with poems.
The Eight Immortals pattern on Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces is depicted with blue glaze for clouds and immortals, while the underglaze red glaze is used to create a unique depiction of the sea.
Most Qianlong underglaze red and blue pieces bear the seal inscription "Made in the Great Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Reign," while others feature hallmarks such as "Yanghe Hall Made" or are unsigned.
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