Porcelaines

Around 20,000 BCE, the Chinese discovered a technique that would profoundly influence the daily lives of prehistoric humans: pottery. High-quality ceramics were abundantly produced in this region and, over time, were adorned with increasingly elaborate patterns and shapes. By the Neolithic period, artisans had achieved an exceptional level of refinement, as demonstrated by the exquisite black ceramics of the Longshan culture, which are said to be as thin as eggshells.

Chinese porcelain first appeared at the beginning of the Common Era, but it was not until the 7th century that the first true porcelains, as defined by European standards, emerged. These porcelains were white, translucent, and resonant, made possible by the use of kaolin, a white, friable clay.

Asian porcelain quickly evolved, with artists creating pieces such as the slightly bluish-white porcelain known as qingbai and the jade-like green porcelain called celadon. The art of porcelain reached its peak under the Yuan dynasty at the end of the 13th century.

During this period, pieces became more imposing in size and were decorated with molded and applied motifs such as fruits and dragons. It was also during this time that the first blue-and-white porcelains were produced, benefiting from the importation of cobalt blue pigment from the Middle East. Previously simple decorations became more intricate, and new forms proliferated.

The production of blue-and-white porcelain continued under the Ming dynasty. During this era, artists used cobalt sourced from Chinese deposits. This cobalt was later refined to remove impurities. In the 18th century, new colors were added to the palette, including soft tones associated with Western influences.

These distinctive characteristics allow experts to precisely date vases, decorative objects, and tableware, distinguishing, for instance, pieces from the Ming period from those of the Qing dynasty. Asian antique specialists can also identify the workshop of origin by analyzing the style or the presence of hidden decorations, known as anhua, which can only be revealed through translucence. For these reasons, it is essential to request an appraisal of Asian porcelains before putting them up for auction.