The Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty (1662-1722) is often regarded as the golden age of Chinese ceramics, a period that produced porcelain of exceptional quality and variety.

Revival and Innovation at Jingdezhen

With the abolition of the "artisan" system, the motivation of the craftsmen was greatly improved. Adding to the unique natural conditions of Jingdezhen, as well as skilled craftsmen from all over the world and the experience and technology passed down over the years, by the time of the Kangxi period, innovative varieties of pastels and enamels had appeared, and the five-colour palette, plain three-colour palette and colour glazes had been improved on the basis of the past.

Key Characteristics of Kangxi Porcelain

✹ Blue and White Porcelain (青花瓷):

Kangxi blue and white porcelain is renowned for its bright, crisp white body and vibrant cobalt blue decoration. The quality of the cobalt used during this period was superior, resulting in deep, rich hues that contrasted beautifully against the porcelain’s smooth surface.

The motifs ranged from intricate floral designs and landscape scenes to more complex depictions of dragons, phoenixes, and scenes from classical literature. These designs not only showcased the technical skill of the artisans but also reflected the cultural and artistic trends of the period.

✹ Famille Verte (五彩瓷):

One of the most iconic styles to emerge during the Kangxi period was Famille Verte, named for its dominant green overglaze enamel. This style, characterized by the use of a translucent green enamel along with red, yellow, blue, and occasionally black, became highly popular both within China and abroad.

Famille Verte pieces often featured elaborate scenes of nature, mythology, and daily life, rendered with a level of detail and color contrast that made them stand out from earlier overglaze enamel techniques.

✹ Monochrome Glazes:
The Kangxi era saw a resurgence in the production of monochrome glazed porcelain, with an emphasis on achieving perfection in single-colored glazes. Notable examples include the deep, rich reds (known as oxblood or sang-de-boeuf), soft, translucent blues (known as clair-de-lune), and elegant celadon greens. These monochrome pieces were celebrated for their subtlety and the technical precision required to produce flawless glazes.