Page 279 - Oriental Series Japan and China, Brinkly

PORCELAIN DECORATED

To black glaze of the same nature designs in gold

were also applied. It has been shown that this fashion,

as well as a similar application of gold pictures to

blue grounds, were practised by the Ming pot-

souffle

ters. Both the early examples and those of the

Kang-hsi and Chien-lung eras are open to the same

criticism : the gilt designs, being insufficiently fired,

present a crude appearance and are easily effaced by

use.

Enamelled decoration on a red glaze is another

variety which may be practically attributed to the
Kang-hsi era (16611722). The conception of such

a method belongs to the Hsuan-te (14261435) pot-

ters of the Ming Dynasty, among whose authenti-

cated productions there are little vessels moulded in

the form of red fruits with green leaves and brown

stalks. But the ware particularly alluded to here is

covered with a soft, red, or ruby glaze obtained

from peroxide of iron forming a ground for floral

design, insects, and so forth in brilliant enamels. Its

manufacture cannot be ascribed to a period more re-

mote than the reign of Kang-hsi, and the very few

specimens now procurable probably belong to the

Tung-ching or Chien-lung era. Some choice pieces

have their red surface broken by medallions enclosing

beautifully executed designs in enamels of the Rose

Family type. The ware occupies a high place among

keramic productions. It is among those described
"
by Chinese dealers as Imperial porcelain," or kuan-

yao. The specimens usually found are rice bowls,
small vegetable dishes and cups. Vases are rare. On

the whole these porcelains may be said to occupy the

highest place among Chinese wares decorated with
enamels over the glaze. The technique leaves noth-

221