Originating in China in the Shang dynasty, stonewear pottery is fired at a high temperature (about 1,200° C [2,200° F]) until vitrified, i.e., glasslike and impervious to liquid. It is usually opaque and since it is nonporous, it does not require a glaze, so glazes are purely decorative. It is extremely durable and used for such items as the glazed garden stools in VA’s collection.
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Shiwan stoneware wall pockets were used to hold functional items like flowers and chopsticks and were in most Chinese homes by the late Qing Dynasty. Chopsticks holders were symbols for fertility and traditionally part of a dowry as the word for chopsticks (kuizi) is a pun for ‘speedy arrival of sons’ Perhaps having a two-part…
Yixing stoneware pottery items are among the most popular of Asian ceramics. The clay comes from an area near Yixing city and has been used to make teaware and pouring-vessels since the Ming Dynasty. When fired, the clay becomes very insulating allowing it to retain heat, and since it is naturally porous it can absorb…
Yixing stoneware pottery items are among the most popular of Asian ceramics. The clay comes from an area near Yixing city and has been used to make teaware and pouring-vessels since the Ming Dynasty. When fired, the clay becomes very insulating allowing it to retain heat, and since it is naturally porous it can absorb…
This stoneware glazed garden stool was used by a wealthy family reflected in its complex designs, auspicious symbols and its use of so much cobalt blue, a highly prized and expensive mineral paint color normally used sparingly. The pierced side to side circles running through the inside from side to side and the pierced design…
The top design on this stoneware garden stool is a simplified open narcissus with a white and yellow center; it is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Below are intertwined double lozenges, followed on the lowest register of by white octagonal shapes and ending with a low orange-yellow rectangle pierced in the center. A…
For centuries Chinese believed ceramic pillows increased the health, vitality and comfort of the body and soothe the spirit. Their surfaces provided coolness during hot weather and were preferred over soft pillows which were believed to rob the body’s vitality and energy. Made with a variety of glazes and designs, it was believed a pillow…
Stoneware teapots like this were commonly used in Chinese villages as domestic wares, often accompanied by a a set of cups. This hexagonal pot is finely designed with deep crevices at the joint of each facet, a small curved spout and small round lid with fitted stopper, and a yoked rounded handle with spiral decorations…
Sawankhalok in north-central Thailand is an area with a large ceramic kiln output during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583). When Ming emperors forbade export of Chinese ceramics from 1368-1487, a period known as the Ming Gap, Thailand became a major ceramics producer and exporter to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. During the 14th and…
This 5-piece apple green glazed stoneware home altar set includes a central large censor flanked by rising pairs of candlestick holders and vases. These folk art ceramics were made at the Shiwan kilns in a small town near Foshan City in Guangdong Province where renowned, popular and well modeled pieces with vivid expression and colorful…
Sawankhalok in north-central Thailand is an area with great amounts of ceramic kiln production during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583). When Ming emperors forbade export of Chinese ceramics from 1368-1487, a period known as the Ming Gap, Thailand became a major ceramics producer and exporter to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. During the 14th…
Sawankhalok in north-central Thailand is an area that had a large ceramic kiln production during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583). When Ming emperors forbade export of Chinese ceramics from 1368-1487, known as the Ming Gap, Thailand became a major ceramics producer and exporter to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. During the 14th and 15th…
Fruit plates have been used as offerings in all Chinese religions to communicate with and venerate ancestors and deities in temples or home altars, bring reciprocal blessings to the bearers, strengthen family ties and demonstrate filial piety. Offerings of fruit, vegetables, sweets, tea and flowers and lighting candles and incense were ceremonially presented on home…
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