Iron Red is a distinctive red colour in Chinese ceramics, created using iron oxide. It occupies a unique place in ceramic decoration, as it does not function as an underglaze or a traditional colour. Instead, it is fired at a low temperature over an existing glaze, adding a layer of vibrancy and detail.
The Role of Iron Red in Ming and Ching Dynasty Ceramics
Iron red became especially prominent in the Ming dynasty, notably in Five-Color (Wucai) Ming wares. These wares often combined iron red with other colours to create intricate and vivid designs. However, the red colour of the Ming era tended to be darker and slightly muted compared to later iterations.
During the K’ang Hsi (Kangxi) era of the Ching (Qing) dynasty, iron red became more refined. The colour lightened and gained a brighter, more appealing quality that contrasted with the Ming dynasty’s earlier, deeper red tones. This brighter iron red found new expressions in Famille Verte wares, where it was skillfully paired with green and other colours to produce highly detailed, multi-coloured designs.
Iron red also appeared as a monochrome colour in later ceramics, especially on wares produced after the K’ang Hsi period. This evolution of iron red from a supporting colour in multi-coloured designs to a standalone, monochromatic feature reflects the innovation and diversity within Chinese ceramic arts across centuries.
This rich history and transformation highlight iron red’s enduring significance and its role in the evolution of Chinese ceramics from the Ming to the Ching dynasties.
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