China

Room 7

PORCELAIN FROM THE JINGDEZHEN KILNS – QING DYNASTY
中國陶瓷 - 清代景德鎮窯

Case 35

“Mirror Black” Glazed Ware 烏金釉瓷器

Porcelain from the Jingdezhen kilns 景德鎮窯, Jiangxi Province 江西省, Qing dynasty 清代 (1644-1911).

This wonderful shiny black glaze is obtained through the use of ferrous pigments. Invented in the reign of Kangxi 康熙 (1662-1722), this colour is called “metallic black” wujin 烏金 in Chinese. The Western term “mirror black” was introduced by Père d’Entrecolles (1664-1741), who mentions it in his correspondence.

  1. Bowl with “mirror black” glaze 烏金釉碗

    Qing dynasty, first quarter of 18th c.

    CB-CC-1930-388

  2. Bottle with pinkish-red glaze 粉紅釉瓶

    Mark and reign of Yongzheng 雍正 (1723-1735)

    CB-CC-1929-284

    The glazes on these pieces bear a certain resemblance to the “peach bloom” glazes popular during the reign of Kangxi 康熙 (1662-1722).

     

  3. Bottle with brownish-black glaze 烏金釉大瓶

    Qing dynasty, 18th c.

    CB-CC-1934-389

  4. Bottle with “mirror black” glaze 烏金釉小瓶

    Qing dynasty, 19th c.

    CB-CC-1936-386

  5. Bowl with pinkish-red glaze 粉紅色釉碗

    Mark and reign of Yongzheng 雍正 (1723-1735)

    CB-CC-1936-285

  6. Black-glazed box for vermilion seal 烏金釉盒

    Qing dynasty, first quarter of 18th c. (lid), 19th c. (base)

    CB-CC-1931-387