The Republic of China period lasted only thirty-three years, resulting in relatively few official kiln porcelains available today. Among these, most are colored porcelains. Republic of China colored porcelains can generally be divided into the following categories:
- “Hongxian” Porcelain:
- The term “Hongxian” refers to the reign of Yuan Shikai, whose reign title was “Hongxian.” Up to now, no porcelain marked “Hongxian Nianzhi” (made in the Hongxian era) has been verified as authentic. This is because in 1916 (the fifth year of the Republic), Yuan Shikai ordered Guo Baochang, the last overseer of the imperial kilns, to supervise the production of “Hongxian” porcelain in Jingdezhen. Guo Baochang began by making porcelain marked “Juren Tang Zhi” (made in Juren Hall) but Yuan Shikai’s reign ended before any “Hongxian Nianzhi” porcelain could be produced. Therefore, any porcelain marked “Hongxian Nianzhi” can be considered fake.
- Juren Hall was built by Empress Dowager Cixi in the Qing Dynasty and became Yuan Shikai’s residence in Zhongnanhai after he declared himself emperor. The porcelain marked “Juren Tang Zhi” is mostly high-quality imitations of Yongzheng and Qianlong enamel and famille rose porcelains, considered genuine “Hongxian” porcelain.
- These exquisite pieces, mostly made by master potter Yan Renqin in Jingdezhen, include over a hundred pieces with shapes such as lantern-shaped vases, radish vases, Guanyin vases, double-handled long-necked vases, as well as daily-use items like bell cups, plates, bowls, and complete sets of tableware. Most pieces feature white grounds with colorful decorations.
- Characteristics: The shapes are elegant, the workmanship is extremely fine, and the paintings are skillful. Some vases have blue-and-white patterns on the shoulders and lower abdomen, with famille rose landscapes and figures on the abdomen, and double ears on the neck following Qianlong imperial kiln styles.
- The porcelain from this period shows some modern influences, with thin, delicate, white but not very hard bodies, smooth white glazes, intricate and refined painting techniques, light colors, and fantastic imagery, giving an impression of delicate beauty. Markings are often in red or blue underglaze script.
- “Jingyuan Tang Zhi” Porcelain:
- These famille rose porcelains were ordered by Beiyang warlord Xu Shichang, including items like flower vases, zun vases, conical vases, teapots, and washbasins. Decorations include camellias, plum blossoms, magpies, chrysanthemums, and other flowers and brocade patterns, along with landscapes. Their style is similar to that of “Juren Tang Zhi” pieces, with neat and elegant blue underglaze script.
- “Yanqing Tang Zhi” Porcelain:
- Commissioned by Beiyang warlord Cao Kun, these porcelains are fewer in variety and include large famille rose vases with figure scenes.
- Fake “Hongxian Nianzhi” Porcelain:
- Many pieces marked “Hongxian Nianzhi” were made shortly after Yuan Shikai’s downfall by antique dealers to satisfy curiosity and profit from high prices. These fakes, contemporary with the genuine “Hongxian” porcelains, often come from past warlords and wealthy families, making them hard to distinguish but exceptionally exquisite. Despite their dubious origins, these pieces are highly valued in both domestic and international antique markets, fetching high prices.
Overall, the characteristics of Republic of China period colored porcelains reflect a blend of traditional and modern styles, with a focus on delicate workmanship, elegant shapes, intricate painting, and a light, refined color palette.
