Underglaze red porcelain stands as a revered artistic treasure within the realm of traditional ceramics, representing a significant innovation attributed to the skilled artisans of Jingdezhen during the mid-Yuan Dynasty. This technique reached its pinnacle during the Ming Dynasty and further evolved throughout the Qing Dynasty.
The manufacturing process of underglaze red porcelain closely mirrors that of contemporary blue and white porcelain. It involves the use of copper oxide as a colorant, meticulously applied onto the pottery pattern, subsequently coated with a transparent glaze, and fired within a high-temperature reduction flame atmosphere. Given that the red pattern resides beneath the glaze, it is aptly termed underglaze red porcelain.
Authentic coloration is exceedingly rare. The standard color development is intricately linked to the copper content within the coloring material, the composition of the base glaze, and the exacting demands of the firing atmosphere and kiln temperature. Even the slightest alteration in the formulation and firing conditions can result in incorrect coloration, hence genuine pure underglaze red porcelain from the Yuan Dynasty is a rarity, often manifesting as a subdued grayish red.
The significance and excellence of underglaze red porcelain extend beyond the technical value. These works of art serve as vessels of cultural heritage, encapsulating the nation's history, cultural significance, and aesthetic sensibilities.
In Chinese symbolism, red embodies solemnity and nobility, on behalf of happiness and good fortune. It also conveys a positive and enterprising spirit, representing people's infinite yearning for a better life and a prosperous society.