Fronteira Palace looks like an incredible place to visit. It’s fascinating to think how Chinese porcelain had such an impact on early global trade and may well have been one of the worlds first global “brands”.
You mention that the salvaged porcelain from Espadarte was fired in 1553, do we know the provenance of these items was Jingdezhen, or Dehua or Foshan?
Thanks for tracking that down, Andrew. I read Anne Gerritsen’s book on Jingdezhen, “City of Blue & White” this year, which made your post today a welcome treat. Worth a read IMO
Fired in 1553. And still a delight today. Testament to the skill of Chinese craftsmen. I look at my Oppo phone purchased this week and see the same attention to detail and aesthetics. I would dearly have loved to invest in a Huawei product, but its banned here in Australia. As a craftsman potter I pored over books dedicated to the Japanese and Chinese craft ethic. And I love what Grandpa Amu does with his little axe, chisel and plane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0fAVQqJaY0
Grandpa Amu did a nice job on that swing set for his grandson (though the swing itself seemed a little low to the ground). It is incredible how something made five hundred years ago (porcelain) can still be so delightful today.
Firing porcelain demands a temperature of 1300C and a clay body that is capable of developing translucency, techniques that weren't evolved in Europe until the late 1800s early 1900s. Josia Wedgewood's 'Bone China' is an inferior imitation fired at low temperature that takes advantage of the fluxing ability of powdered bone. The Chinese climbing chamber kiln that was used by an entire village of potters is a wonder of economy and efficiency and it depended upon the cooperation of many. Testament to a highly evolved form of social organization.
Thank you, Andrew, for an article with delightful pictures and a story that reminds us of the interconnections between cultures centuries ago. Shipwreck archaeology is an exciting field that will lead to further clarifications on trade and commerce in past centuries.
Wonderful writing & photos, thank you Andrew.
Fronteira Palace looks like an incredible place to visit. It’s fascinating to think how Chinese porcelain had such an impact on early global trade and may well have been one of the worlds first global “brands”.
You mention that the salvaged porcelain from Espadarte was fired in 1553, do we know the provenance of these items was Jingdezhen, or Dehua or Foshan?
According to an article in Orientations Magazine, the Espadarte porcelains were made for export at private kilns in Jingdezhen.
Thanks for tracking that down, Andrew. I read Anne Gerritsen’s book on Jingdezhen, “City of Blue & White” this year, which made your post today a welcome treat. Worth a read IMO
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/city-of-blue-and-white/2C9185EFECC9E93620949E71D3F3C6A1#fndtn-information
Yes, it is a good read. I have it in my library and used it as a resource in a lecture I presented last year on Jingdezhen.
That’s great. If your Jingdezhen lecture (or other topics you’ve presented on) are available to watch/listen to, I’d love to hear it. Thanks
My Jingdezhen zoom lecture is available on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MButJQFdx28&t=2081s.
I do not, but will see if I can find a reference. Thank you.
Fascinating, as always Andrew.
Excellent descriptions of the Ming porcelain trade with Lisbon, Portugal and the beautification of the palaces. A true treat to view and read about.
Thank you, Berthe. Happy New Year to you and John!
Fired in 1553. And still a delight today. Testament to the skill of Chinese craftsmen. I look at my Oppo phone purchased this week and see the same attention to detail and aesthetics. I would dearly have loved to invest in a Huawei product, but its banned here in Australia. As a craftsman potter I pored over books dedicated to the Japanese and Chinese craft ethic. And I love what Grandpa Amu does with his little axe, chisel and plane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0fAVQqJaY0
Grandpa Amu did a nice job on that swing set for his grandson (though the swing itself seemed a little low to the ground). It is incredible how something made five hundred years ago (porcelain) can still be so delightful today.
Firing porcelain demands a temperature of 1300C and a clay body that is capable of developing translucency, techniques that weren't evolved in Europe until the late 1800s early 1900s. Josia Wedgewood's 'Bone China' is an inferior imitation fired at low temperature that takes advantage of the fluxing ability of powdered bone. The Chinese climbing chamber kiln that was used by an entire village of potters is a wonder of economy and efficiency and it depended upon the cooperation of many. Testament to a highly evolved form of social organization.
The Chinese discovered kaolin clay and petunse stone and learned early how to turn them into high art.
And a happy and healthy New Year to you. Andrew
And to you as well, Richard. You are having an adventure this holiday season.
Thank you, Andrew, for an article with delightful pictures and a story that reminds us of the interconnections between cultures centuries ago. Shipwreck archaeology is an exciting field that will lead to further clarifications on trade and commerce in past centuries.
Janet, there is fascinating history, art, and culture below the surface of the worlds' seas, oceans, and lakes.