Nanjing ware is the name given to porcelain created during the Ming (1368-1644) to Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. It is also appropriate to attribute Nanjing ware to pottery of the Jingdezhen folk kilns. Nanjing is where most porcelain was and is exported, but much of the production comes from Jingdezhen city in the Jiangxi province, which lies south of Nanjing city. Alongside the folk kilns there are also the famous and influential royal kilns which were especially prominent in the older dynasties. Some examples of these royal kilns include the Nian and Raozhou kilns.

In the Nanjing/Jingdezhen area ceramics flourished in the Song dynasty (960-1279) and in the Ming and Qing dynasty it became the largest ceramic producing area in China (especially in terms of porcelain). During the early Qing dynasty is when the significant exportation overseas began.

Eventually the royal kilns in this region stagnated and declined in the Qing dynasty, but the folk kilns continued to maintain their vitality. Most Nanjing pots that were imported to Japan have origin from these folk kilns. These kilns created orchid pots, bonsai pots, trays, vases, and many other items. Some of the glazes include the monochromatic white, yellow, asagi, crimson, orange, purple, persimmon and lapis lazuli and painted five color pieces, brocade, and many other forms. Today Nanjing and especially Jingdezhen remain an epicenter for talented ceramic artists in China and still porcelain exportation occurs.

Translations are Copyright (2/24/2021) by (Paul Stephan)

Reference material: 古いボウル。 有名な鉢から実用的な現代の鉢まで〜P盆栽百科事典3盆栽鉢集

Above image is from Kobayashi’s book/collection.

Above two images from reference: 古いボウル。 有名な鉢から実用的な現代の鉢まで〜P盆栽百科事典3盆栽鉢集