Page 222 - Oriental Series Japan and China, Brinkly

CHINA

the tones of the sous-couverte colours are similar, and

the fashions of decoration differ only in one respect,

namely, that figure subjects were more affected by the

experts of the former era.

The Chien-lung period (1736-1795), which fol-

lowed that of Tung-ching, was perhaps the most pro-

lific of all Chinese epochs, if considered with respect

to the number of specimens it has furnished to West-

ern collections. The author of the Tao-lu speaks of

the era with great enthusiasm, and his eulogies were

not exaggerated. The imperial factories were con-

trolled by Tang, commonly called Tang-Kung (the

Sieur Tang), and the wares manufactured under his

direction are known as Tang-yao. This expert really

belongs to the Tung-ching as well as to the Chien-lung

era. He came to Ching-te-chen in 1727, and served,

apparently, as assistant-superintendent under Nien,

who is mentioned above. But at the commence-

ment of Chien-lung's reign Nien was employed

elsewhere on duties of a different character, which

occupied him until 1743, when he returned to Kiu-

kiang and became joint superintendent of the pot-

teries with Tang. These two masters carried the

keramic art of China to its zenith. Of Tang it is
" He employed the greatest care in
recorded :

choosing materials, and all the vases manufactured

under his direction were consequently of the most

Heperfect delicacy, brilliancy, and purity. could

also imitate the most celebrated antique wares, never

failing to obtain the same degree of elegance and

beauty as his originals. He further imitated all

varieties of most prized glazes, reproducing them

with rare skill. The perfection of his porcelains
...left nothing to be desired.
In his day the

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