GUO Jianhui, LIN Junjie

(China Institute of Ceramic Development, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Extended Abstract:[Background and purpose] Porcelain culture and tea culture are indispensable treasures of Chinese civilization, jointly bearing the long history and profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Tea wares, as the crystallization of the fusion of these two cultures, have not only witnessed the transformation of human production and lifestyle but also facilitated the exchange and progress between different civilizations, becoming one of the important symbols of Chinese cultural influence in the vast expanse of history. Each exquisite piece of tea ware is a testament to the wisdom and artistry of its craftsman, not only recording the changes of the times but also showcasing the unique charm and far-reaching impact of Chinese culture. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, Jingdezhen has been an important production center for tea wares, both domestically and internationally. The tea wares of each period ingeniously incorporate multiple factors of the times, such as social trends and tea drinking methods, into their shapes and decorative designs, presenting a unique era-specific style that makes its products widely sought after. By systematically tracing the evolutionary process of tea ware shapes and decorations in Jingdezhen from the Tang dynasty to the present day, we can deduce their characteristics and patterns, providing valuable reference for the current integration and development of the porcelain and tea industries in Jingdezhen.[Methods] This article conducts specific research in the following three aspects. First, the evolution of social trends and tea-drinking methods in Jingdezhen. This focuses on documenting the changes in tea-drinking methods from the Tang Dynasty to the modern era in Jingdezhen, which are closely related to the social trends, cultural background, and technological advancements of each period. Second, the evolution of ceramic teaware shapes in Jingdezhen throughout the dynasties. This focuses on the patterns and characteristics of teaware shape changes in Jingdezhen over different dynasties, constructing a chronological framework for the evolution of teaware shapes. Third, the evolution of ceramic teaware decorations in Jingdezhen throughout the dynasties. This focuses on the patterns and style features of changes in teaware body decorations, painted decorations, and glaze color decorations across different dynasties, systematically constructing the evolution of teaware decorations.[Results] Through our research, we can draw the following six conclusions: First, the changes in the shapes and decorations of tea wares are a direct reflection of the evolution of tea drinking methods and social fashions. From ancient times to the present, as society has developed and people's lifestyles have changed, tea drinking methods and philosophies have also continuously evolved. This not only affects the functional use of tea wares but also profoundly influences their aesthetic styles and artistic value. Second, the increase in tea varieties has promoted the enrichment and diversification of tea wares. Different types of tea have distinct characteristics, including unfermented, slightly fermented, partially fermented, fully fermented, and post-fermented teas. Each type has its unique flavor and aroma, and requires different brewing methods, temperatures, and times. This has not only driven the functional specialization of tea wares but also spurred changes in their shapes and decorations. Third, practical and aesthetic demands have been significant driving forces in the development of tea wares throughout history. From ancient times to the present, people's requirements for tea wares have not been limited to their functional aspects; they have continuously pursued higher aesthetic realms. This dual drive has led to advancements and improvements in the variety and quality of tea wares across different periods. Fourth, the tea drinking fashions of celebrities have continuously promoted the development and improvement of tea wares' shapes and decorations. Celebrities have played a significant role in leading social changes in tea drinking methods and promoting tea culture, which in turn has influenced the development of tea wares' shapes and decorations across different periods. Fifth, advances in porcelain-making techniques have increased the variety of tea wares and promoted the flourishing of tea culture. As porcelain-making techniques have continuously innovated and improved, tea wares have achieved comprehensive enhancements in material, shape, and decoration, better meeting the needs of different types of tea brewing. These advancements have also driven people to pursue higher levels of tea drinking aesthetics. Sixth, the ceramic tea wares of Jingdezhen have developed a rich and diverse product range, gradually forming a specialized and systematic market structure. From the Tang dynasty to modern times, Jingdezhen tea wares have undergone long-term development and evolution, with each era producing its unique representative works.[Conclusions] The shapes and decorative styles of tea wares in each period of Jingdezhen directly reflect the tea drinking methods and the cultural ideals of the same period, presenting a strong visual characteristic unique to each era. During the Tang dynasty, tea wares were simple and practical; in the Song dynasty, they were fresh and elegant; in the Yuan dynasty, they were bold and unrestrained; in the Ming and Qing dynasties, polychrome porcelain was designed with intention, and in modern times, a wide variety of styles have emerged. Through the summarization of these era-specific characteristics, we can clearly distinguish the ceramic tea wares of different periods in Jingdezhen.

Key words: porcelain-tea integration; Jingdezhen; tea set design; tea set decoration