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"Shiwan art does not stand apart from the common people, as do many works from the better known kilns of Dehua and Jingdezhen, as perfected sytylized intellectual objects. Possibly that is one reason why the Shiwan products have rarely been appreciated by the scholars and intelligentsia. Perhaps this deficit can be rectified by accepting the work for what it is rather than be invidious comparisons against classical art. It speaks its own message and that is unique"

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Author Topic: Dating of the Mainstream of Shiwan Ware from Nanhai  (Read 56 times)

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GeorgeI

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Dating of the Mainstream of Shiwan Ware from Nanhai
« on: March 05, 2021, 04:15:19 pm »
Follow up from Zu Tang-Ju and Nanshi Wares, An Analysis

Dating of the Mainstream of Shiwan Ware from Nanhai

The above sections of the classification of Yangjiang, Zu Tnag Ju Nanshi wares have included discussion on their possible and suggested dates. Dating of the mainstream of Shiwan ceramic wares produced in Nanhai Xian remains to be treated.

Dating of Ming and Qing wares from Nanhai's Shiwan is perhaps the most difficult and least studied aspect of this pottery. Rather than presenting the dates employed for the various objects as absolute at this time , it has been the aim of this exhibition to display as many materials as possible which aid in dating to compare as many opinions as possible and to highlight the areas where differences of opinion exist. In so doing the experience and opninion of those who are knowledgeable are sought and it is hoped that in this manner the entire question may be reconsidered by the interested public.

In addition to the reign marks, specimens available to this exhibition include six Zu Tang Ju marks, five Nanshi marks, ten ship marks and 74 personal marks representing 32 different artists. Most of these are either on display or illustrated in the section on marks. These together with the compendious list of artist and shop marks with dates, provided by Guangzhou, contributes greatly towards dating of the marked wares.

For the unmarked Shiwan wares problems of dating are even more difficult. There have to date been no proper and systematic stylistic dating of Shiwan ware and it should be emphasized that the dating of these wares is still a subject wide open to controversy which calls for continuing and serious efforts. This study has indeed been fortunate in having two independently dated selections, that from Guangzhou and that from Hong Kong. In Hong Kong many opinions have been sought, including those of antique dealers and contributing Shiwan collectors. Guangzhou has also taken great care in consulting many opinions. While neither effort has arrived a a total consensus of all the contributing advisors, it can be broadly noted that just as Guangzhou does not accept Ming reign marks, she also tends to assign many fewer unmarked Shiwan wares with a Ming date than do those knowledge in Hong Kong. Furthermore, some Hong Kong advisors divide the wares they designate as Ming into "early, middle or late" periods, whereas Guangzhou advisors for the most part feel that differentiation is impossible to make.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2021, 05:58:08 pm by GeorgeI »
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