Jade Green and Kingfisher Blue: Longquan Wares from Museums and Art Institutes Around the World

Longquan wares, made in Zhejiang province from the 3rd to 19th centuries, are known for their porcelain bodies and kaolin glazes. They feature a smooth and dense body, unctuous or shiny glaze, and a myriad of shades of kingfisher blue and jade green. The development of porcelain technology at Longquan resulted in a tough, attractive, and versatile celadon material that was ideal for export. The kilns produced a wide range of wares in vast quantities over 500 years, but they have never been regarded as one of the "Five Great Wares". This book showcases over 270 rare and exquisite Longquan wares from museums and Art Institutes worldwide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2023
Publisher: ACC Art Books

Longquan wares, renowned for their exquisite beauty, were crafted primarily in the province of Zhejiang over a span of more than sixteen hundred years, from the 3rd to the 19th centuries. These remarkable ceramics possess two outstanding features that set them apart. Firstly, the bodies of Longquan wares are made entirely of porcelain, lending them a smooth and dense texture. Secondly, the glaze used in their production incorporates kaolin, giving them a unique and captivating color palette. The result is a range of hues, from the mesmerizing kingfisher blue to the verdant jade green, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

The development of porcelain technology at Longquan resulted in the creation of a resilient, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile celadon material, perfectly suited for export. These vessels found their way to diverse markets worldwide, from royal palaces to ordinary homes. During the Yuan dynasty, the production of Longquan wares reached a peak, with over 150 kiln sites active. This period witnessed the emergence of new decoration techniques and mass production methods, enabling the ceramics to be widely distributed across the globe. However, the late Ming dynasty marked a decline in the production of Longquan ceramics, with various reasons still debated by scholars.

It is evident that the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang province were prolific producers, creating a vast array of wares in enormous quantities over a period exceeding 500 years. During the Southern Song period, the premier kinuta ceramics adorned with shimmering pale bluish-green glazes gained the utmost admiration. In the early Ming dynasty, the Daoyao kiln crafted exceptional imperial ceramics for the imperial household. Despite their unparalleled beauty and perceived value, Longquan ceramics have never been categorized as one of the "Five Great Wares."

To showcase the rarest and most exquisite examples of Longquan wares, this book has compiled a collection of over 270 pieces from museums and art institutions across the globe. The pieces featured in this book represent the pinnacle of Longquan craftsmanship and artistry, showcasing the enduring legacy of this ancient ceramic tradition.

Weight: 2896g
Dimension: 283 x 338 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788842266