Historical and Cultural Background of Chinese Ceramic Large Dragon Pattern Underglaze Blue and White Plate

Historical Background

• Origin and Development: Blue and white porcelain with underglaze red was first created in the Yuan Dynasty. It combined the two techniques of blue and white and underglaze red, which was a creative achievement of the ceramic artists in Jingdezhen. However, in the Yuan Dynasty, due to the great difficulty in firing underglaze red and the instability of its coloration, the production of blue and white porcelain with underglaze red was relatively low.
• Development in the Ming Dynasty: In the Ming Dynasty, blue and white porcelain with underglaze red continued to develop. Among them, the blue and white porcelain with underglaze red colors during the Xuande period reached a relatively high artistic level. During this period, the blue and white was pure, the underglaze red was bright and warm, and when applying colors, different shades were used separately, which could better present the three-dimensional effect of the decorative patterns. The shapes were also quite diverse, including flowerpots, plates, bowls, and high-footed bowls.
• Prosperity in the Qing Dynasty: The Qing Dynasty was a prosperous period for blue and white porcelain with underglaze red. Especially during the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns, the production techniques became more mature, the coloration was more stable, and the patterns were more detailed. The blue and white porcelain with underglaze red in the Yongzheng period was renowned for its elegant and fresh style, while the Qianlong period placed more emphasis on the gorgeousness and decorativeness of the patterns.

Cultural Background

• Symbolic Meaning of Dragon Patterns: Dragons hold extremely important symbolic meanings in Chinese culture. They represent power, majesty, auspiciousness, and prosperity. Since the formation of the dragon's image in the Shang Dynasty, after thousands of years of evolution, it has always been an important symbol of the Chinese nation's spirit and culture. In ancient times, emperors often regarded themselves as dragons, considering themselves the true sons of heaven, while the common people regarded dragons as the incarnations of joy, peace, and the gods who brought rain, and they were full of awe and worship for them.
• Cultural Connotations of Colors: The blue color of blue and white porcelain is fresh and elegant, giving a sense of tranquility and profundity. In traditional Chinese culture, blue is often associated with natural elements such as the sky and the ocean, implying loftiness, vastness, and mystery. The red color of underglaze red is bright and eye-catching, representing festivity, auspiciousness, enthusiasm, and solemnity. It is one of the most important colors in traditional Chinese culture and is often used in important occasions such as festivals and weddings. The combination of these two colors in the large blue and white porcelain plate with underglaze red not only forms a sharp contrast and a strong visual impact but also reflects the profound understanding and perception of nature, life, and the universe in traditional Chinese culture.
• Favor of the Royalty and Nobility: Due to its complex production techniques, high cost, and extremely high artistic value and cultural connotations, blue and white porcelain with underglaze red has always been a treasured favorite of the royalty and nobility in ancient times. It was often used in important occasions such as court banquets and sacrificial ceremonies to demonstrate the majesty and nobility of the royal family. In addition, blue and white porcelain with underglaze red was also an important gift bestowed by the royal family on meritorious officials and foreign envoys, becoming an important emissary for spreading Chinese culture and art.
• Artistic Value and Aesthetic Concepts: The large blue and white porcelain plate with underglaze red is not only a practical daily necessity but also a fine work of art. Its production process is exquisite and requires multiple procedures to complete, including painting, glazing, and firing. Each procedure demands that the craftsmen possess superb skills and rich experience. The dragon patterns on the large plate are meticulously drawn, with smooth lines, lifelike forms, and vivid appearances, fully demonstrating the charm and essence of traditional Chinese painting art. Its unique artistic style and aesthetic concepts reflect the pursuit and aspiration of beauty in traditional Chinese culture and have a profound influence on the ceramic art of later generations.