Accession NumberUA2002.65
TitleDark blue plate, Qianlong mark and period (pair with UA2002.66)
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1736-1795Medium & Supportporcelain with dark blue glazeDimensions 1 3/4 in. x 5 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. ( 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm )
Credit LineGift of the William T. and Dora G. Hunter CollectionSubject matterThe colour blue gained special significance in the history of Chinese ceramics during the Tang dynasty (618-907). The distinctive colour in blue-glazed pottery and porcelain comes from cobalt ores imported from Persia, which were a scarce ingredient at the time and used in only limited quantities.
In the Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties in particular, different types of cobalt ore and methods of application determined the distinctive feature of the shades of blue that appeared on blue-and-white porcelain ware.
https://www.christies.com/features/Shades-of-Blue-Subtle-Differences-in-Chinese-Blue-and-White-Porcelain-8954-1.aspx
The Qianlong Emperor e lived for 87 years, making him the longest living emperor of China. He also reigned for 61 years, making him the second-to-longest reigning emperor (his grandfather Kangxi emperor holds first place).
For many, the Qianlong period is seen as the height of porcelain production. This is due to the unmatched quality and technique of the potters that worked in his imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Here we can see a continuation of the revival of archaic and classical forms as favoured by his predecessor the Yongzheng emperor, as well as the combination and perfection of enamelling and moulding techniques. Qianlong emperor had a taste for the extravagant, so with the exception of monochrome (single colour) pieces, porcelain particularly from the latter part of his reign was often highly and densely decorated. At times, the decoration borders on excessive; especially compared to the relative simplicity and elegance of the works from the preceding Yongzheng period
https://antique-marks.com/qianlong-porcelain-marks-on-vases-and-other-art-from-qianlong-period.html
Physical DescriptionDark purple glaze with white on the rim.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object TypeplateAdditional Object Classification(s)Decorative ArtsCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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