Tradition and Imitation

Ming dynasty porcelains of the Yongle and Xuande reigns, with their superb craftsmanship and unique forms, became objects venerated in tradition and imitations by later generations. Porcelain production in the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns of the Qing dynasty reached dazzling heights, and porcelains in imitation of the Yongle style represented but one facet of this unprecedented period of prosperity. On one hand, these later works consciously emulate the essence of those fired in the previous dynasty, revealing their contemporary side only in the techniques of modeling, thickness of the body and glaze, size, and painting of the decoration. On the other hand, the Qing court also selected vessel types from the past but integrated them with new glaze colors for porcelains. Thus, the dialogue between old and new highlights the influence of Yongle porcelains in later years.