QING DYNASTY (1644–1911)

The start of the Qing dynasty and the transitional period saw a decline in production at the imperial workshops in Jingdezhen (Jiangxi province), which did not fall under the control of the new dynasty until the 1680s. But even during this transitional period, wares for export to Japan and Europe continued to be produced. Production for the imperial court was revived during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1662–1722). The manufacture of traditional blue-and-white porcelain is perfected, celadon porcelain is produced, and overglaze enamels are used (such as wucai, known in Europe as famille verte). In the first half of the eighteenth century, Chinese workshops enjoyed new prosperity. The reign of the Yongzheng Emperor (1722–1735) is characterised by pink fencai decor, known in Europe as famille rose. During this period, interest in blue-and-white porcelain fell, while porcelain decorated in colourful enamels grew in popularity. By the mid-eighteenth century, imitations of older designs (including from the Ming dynasty) were commonplace and products from the imperial workshops were in high demand around the world. But in the late 1700s, Europe’s interest in Chinese porcelain fell due to economic reasons – the continent was producing its own, cheaper porcelain. In contrast, exports to North America grew in the 1800s. Influenced by domestic unrest in the mid-nineteenth century, production at the imperial workshops slowed and did not recover until the 1860s. Porcelain production and international trade flourished again in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. (JMl)