Famille Rose,The Spirit of East Meets West
A combination always encounters an exceptional uniqueness and intriguing stories. In antiques and collectibles, there is a wide array of distinguished items with a cultural mix. Our current Timed Auction has selected a wonderful lot desirable among both new and avid collectors. Let’s take a look at its origin of Famille Rose.
This predominant set of porcelain wares is particularly entitled famille rose, a French term comprising ‘famille’ literally translating as family and ‘rose’ as pink color. Generally called famille rose in Chinese, ‘粉彩’ or ‘Fěn cǎi’ signifies a powdery and light pastel shade. Another Chinese term is ‘珐琅彩’ or ‘Fàláng Cǎi’, referring to enamel decoration on porcelain.
The name is derived from an implication of cultural immersion. This type of porcelains was created by Chinese craftsmen in specific periods in the 18th-20th centuries, characterized by a significant palette, famille rose (pink), famille jaune (yellow), and famille verte (green). These palettes were influenced from advanced technologies imported via Jesuits, a group of Christian missionaries serving in the Imperial Palace in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Giuseppe Castiglione, a reputed Italian painter, is one of the iconic figures who played a crucial role when Chinese court risen to a flourishing art and culture. Chinese art was made for trade outside China especially in Europe when the Rococo style prevailed. This genre of art movement is described by elaborateness, elegance, and delicate pastel shades.
As a matter of fact, famille verte (green) renowned for its transculent glaze was dated back in the reign of Kangxi (1654 – 1722) . Later, there was a development of a new opaque palette or rose-colored enamel that could be fired in a lower temperature to make a more delicate color called ‘软彩’ or ‘Ruǎn Cǎi’ in Chinese. During the Yongzheng reign, famille rose reached its epitome, replacing the previous famille verte. Then, a development of famille rose continued in the Qianglong period (1736-1795) where techniques and details were more complicated and called ‘洋彩’ or ‘Yáng Cǎi’. This term refers to a different palette made by a subtle mix of imported materials and pigments.
Simply put, famille rose is a juxtaposition of East and West originating unique characteristics in a particular period of history but it remains as a highly sought-after piece over time.
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