01. August 2018

The 'garlic-head' vase has its origin in bronze and pottery wares of Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Porcelain examples were first made during the Song dynasty. Archaic bronze vase - Han dynasty (left) Longquan ware - Yuan dynasty (right)

16. July 2018

Symbols as mark are used on domestic wares since late Ming dynasty. During the Shunzhi, Kangxi and Yongzheng era, symbols and characters as mark became more and more popular on domestic porcelain. After Qianlong era reign marks gained its popularity and symbols as mark lost significance. Most 18th century export porcelain are not marked besides double circle marks while Chinese domestic wares are often marked. Before 1678 reign marks were not allowed to use on porcelain because of superstition....

05. July 2018

Over the centuries Chinese ceramics have been developed in a wide variety of shapes and styles. From the Neolithic to the Qing dynasty the evolution has never stopped adapting styles and tastes of other cultures. There are around 20 basic shapes of Chinese vases. Some of them took influence of Persian metal wares and some of them of nomadic lifestyles. Many classical and timeless designs have their beginnings under the Tang and Song dynasty. In this blog I'm going to introduce you the shapes...