Identification of Ming and Qing Porcelain Patterns: Volume on Flower and Bird Motifs

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, which symbolize loyal and unchanging love, as well as the delicately depicted peacocks and grasshoppers, have been enduring themes in 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 free and expressive 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 floral, avian, and insect motifs, 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, Ribbon Patterns, Swallow Patterns, Parrot Patterns, Oriole Patterns, White-Crowned Wagtail Patterns, Other Floral and Avian Patterns, Chicken Patterns, Butterfly Patterns, Grasshopper Patterns. The book provides in-depth yet accessible discussions on the composition, painting techniques, and colors of the patterns, along with dating and identification of each piece. The discussions not only compare different patterns from the same era but also contrast patterns across different dynasties, as well as highlight similarities and differences between official and folk kilns. Detailed evaluations are also given to counterfeit pieces designed to deceive. At the end of each chapter, enlarged images of relevant pieces are provided for reference, allowing readers to identify differences in subtle details and offering strong evidence for dating and identifying porcelain based on patterns.