On December 10, the Guangdong Museum launched its latest original exhibition, "Colors of China: The Glorious Porcelain Glaze", as part of its “Ancient Art Series.” The exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich history and aesthetic beauty of Chinese porcelain, featuring more than 200 exquisite glazed porcelain pieces.
Porcelain, often seen as a symbol of China, has long been admired for its diverse forms and vibrant colors, reflecting the depth and diversity of Chinese culture. The glazed porcelain items displayed in this exhibition shine like hidden gems, radiating the warmth and charm that embodies traditional Chinese aesthetics.
A glimpse into the world of glazed porcelain
Curated by Tian Wei'en, the exhibition presents over half of the precious items on display for the first time to the public. Among the 200+ pieces are 13 first-class national cultural relics, 142 second-class, and 37 third-class items. Highlights include the Jingdezhen peacock green-glazed magnolia-patterned vessel, a Qing Dynasty Kangxi-era yellow-glazed jar, and a Qing Dynasty Yongzheng-era white-glazed chrysanthemum-patterned vase. These iconic works represent key moments in the evolution of Chinese porcelain craftsmanship, some of which will be showcased in stages for added emphasis.
Exploring traditional Chinese colors through porcelain
Entering the exhibition hall feels like stepping into a living painting. The porcelain pieces trace the origins of color as conceptualized by ancient Chinese thinkers. The exhibition is organized into sections based on the traditional five Chinese colors, each representing different elements of nature and culture:
The exhibition avoids traditional categorization and instead groups the porcelain by its glaze color: blue, black, white, yellow, red, and kiln-changed glazes. Visitors can explore the unique qualities of each glaze and appreciate the artistic and cultural significance each color carries. According to curator Tian Wei'en, the exhibition took two years to plan, with much of that time spent carefully cataloging and organizing the museum’s collection of glazed porcelain. This meticulous process ensures a seamless harmony between the development of glazes and the evolution of Chinese porcelain color.
In the mesmerizing world of glazed porcelain, each piece stands as a timeless beauty—unadorned, yet elegant in its simplicity. As Tian Wei'en suggests, “When we take a moment to truly observe the pure colors of porcelain, our minds can find peace. We hope this exhibition offers visitors a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and experience a moment of tranquility.
Museum-inspired cultural products
Inspired by the colors featured in the exhibition, the Guangdong Museum has also launched a range of cultural and creative products, including the museum’s first-ever ceramic blind box, refrigerator magnets featuring porcelain motifs, and hand-crafted Shawan ceramic coffee mugs. Over 80 products are available, allowing visitors to bring home souvenirs that capture the beauty of the porcelain.
“Many of the products are based on key relics from the exhibition, such as the refrigerator magnets, which replicate the forms and glazes of the porcelain items. The team spent a significant amount of time ensuring the color accuracy,” explained Tian Wei'en.
