Culture Beat: 17th-century Chinese blue-and-white porcelain showcased

Photo: Courtesy of the exhibition

Featuring over eighty exquisite representative pieces of blue-and-white porcelain from the 17th century, The Many Facets of Life Pocelain of 17th Century - Blue and White Porcelain with Narrative Scenes exhibition has opened in Beijing.

Through rich character narratives and outstanding blue-and-white porcelain craftsmanship, the exhibition paints a vivid picture of the diverse scenes of life in the 17th century.

Curator Jin Liyan remarked that the porcelain craftsmanship from the late Ming (1368-1644) to the early Qing (1644-1911) dynasties reached its pinnacle by absorbing new influences while building on thousands of years of accumulated techniques. Both painting techniques and firing processes reached new heights during this time. 

The creative themes also broke free from traditional constraints, achieving a harmonious blend of literati sensibilities, artistic expression, and secular themes. The blue-and-white porcelain of the late Ming and early Qing  is characterized by vibrant and pleasing colors and exquisite glaze, Jin said.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition included the unveiling of a new book of the same name as the exhibition.