A 17th Century Blanc de Chine Porcelain Model of Wenchang Wang
A 17th century Blanc de Chine porcelain model of Wenchang Wang and his assistant Guixing. Shunzhi or Kangxi period c.1650 – 1700.
SOLD
- Condition
- In very good condition, firing cracks, some crazing and discolouration to the back of Wenchang Wang.
- Size
- Height : 23 cm (9 inches)
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 24814
- References
- R and G McPherson Antiques, stock number 16094. From a Private European Collection of Antique Chinese Porcelain.
Photos
Information
Blanc de Chine Porcelain :
The porcelain known in the West as Blanc de Chine was produced 300 miles south of the main Chinese kiln complex of Jingdezhen. The term Blanc de Chine refers to the fine grain white porcelain made at the kilns situated near Dehua in the coastal province of Fujian, these kilns also produced other types of porcelain. A rather freely painted blue and white ware, porcelain with brightly coloured `Swatow` type enamels as well as pieces with a brown iron-rich glaze. However it is the white blanc de Chine wares that have made these kilns famous. The quality and colour achieved by the Dehua potters was partly due to the local porcelain stone, it was unusually pure and was used without kaolin being added. This, combined with a low iron content and other chemical factors within the body as well as the glaze, enabled the potters to produce superb ivory-white Blanc de Chine porcelain.
Wenchang Wang, God of Literature :
Wenchang Wang, sometimes known as Wenchang Dijun is a Taoist figure, God of literature and writing. His name can be translated as 'King of Flourishing Culture/Literature'. Wenchang Wang is depicted as an elderly scholar, often with his assistant Guixing. He was especially popular in the Ming and Qing dynasties, when he was a favourite of the literati. The literati and candidates in the civil service examinations venerated him, his powers also included healing and exorcism.