Chinese porcelain has more than three millennia in its history. It arose, according to unreliable data, in the VI-VII century BC. e. By this time belong, for example, finds of ceramic figures from burials. According to other sources, the first shards found are made of the so-called protofarfor and can be dated to the II century.
Traditionally, Chinese porcelain was made of three components. The centuries-old recipe prescribed to include white clay (or kaolin), silicate feldspar, and also quartz mineral in the composition of porcelain. At one of the final stages, Chinese porcelain figurines were burned in an oven at a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees.
Start
So, in 583, the Chinese emperor Wen-di (Yang Jian) from the Sui dynasty gave the order and the production of miniature porcelain figurines for domestic use began. There were several factories, and today it is difficult to accurately date the manufacture of a particular figure.
At the same time, samples of Chinese porcelain products differ from each other depending on the province in which they were produced. In the Middle Ages, craft centers began to emerge that specialized in the production of porcelain. At the same time, individual master sculptors became famous. Such a master was, for example, He Chao-Zong from Fushan Province. He created a large collection of figurines using snow-white enamel or ivory.
Modernity
Chinese porcelain has been admired by Europeans for many centuries. Since they were very expensive (they were even called “white gold”), and delivery was not a passing light, many craftsmen (and among them were not only potters and glassblowers, but even alchemists) tried to find out the production technology of Chinese porcelain, but she is in the strictest confidence. Only by the 17th century did the Europeans learn to produce their own porcelain and they had their own masters, but this happened much later.
Therefore, already in the 19th century, porcelain production in the Middle Kingdom began to decline, although Chinese figurines of earlier production (until the 18th century) were still highly valued. Most of the old figures were real masterpieces - it is not for nothing that factories began to open in the country for the mass production of fakes of these artifacts.
Meanings
If European porcelain figurines are mostly an element of decor, then Chinese ones are very often not just a figment of the artistic imagination of a particular sculptor. Together with beauty and mastery of performance, they symbolize traditional values, play the role of talismans, adopted in the practice of feng shui, "attracting" to their masters or to the house in which they are located, happiness, prosperity, well-being, health, etc.
Below we look at some of the most famous figures.
Three old men
These are three Chinese figurines - the so-called antique set under the general name Sang-xing. According to ancient astrological canons, this is the personification of the three brightest stars from the constellation of the southern hemisphere of Kiel. The largest of the luminaries - the red star Canopus - is the old man Shaw-sin with a white beard. In his hands, as a rule, he holds a scroll and a peach. It is intended to bring its owner good health and a long, prosperous life.
The legend about the appearance of this image says that supposedly one of the emperors of the Song dynasty, once seeing a homeless impoverished old man, sheltered him in the palace, and since then the lord has lived for many years without troubles and ailments. Interestingly, in honor of the elder Shaw-sin, temples were even built in China.
Elder Fu-xing is more diverse in execution. It is made in blue or red caftan, sometimes holds a baby in her arms, and sometimes only a scroll. It symbolizes career growth, success in comprehending sciences and the associated prosperity. In addition, this deity serves as a talisman for healthy and numerous offspring.
The third elder Lu-xing is usually depicted with a scroll and scepter. Sometimes a baby in her arms is found in this figure. It is believed that Lu-xing brings to the master all the benefits associated with gaining power.
All three of these Chinese figurines are traditionally acquired together; it is believed that only unity will attract the named goods in full force.
Hotei
Seven figures of the sage Hotei (Budaya), who are sometimes mistakenly called the Buddha, are popular. In the hands of a figurine can hold a peach, an umbrella, a gold bar, a fan. Hotei can sit on a dragon or be surrounded by children.
The prototype of this figure is considered a certain Chinese monk. Choosing instead of solitude in the monastery wandering around the world, he made his living by weather predictions. A bag for alms of Hotei and a staff - that's all his property. The vital energy and natural gaiety of this man’s disposition were concentrated in his big belly (after all, according to the ideas of the Chinese, there was a source of qi vitality).
Hotei is the god of communication, fun and prosperity. Traditionally, it is believed that to fulfill a desire, you need to rub the figures three hundred times across the stomach, thinking about your dream.
Other figurines
In addition to the above, other examples of Chinese figurines are known. Among them are two inseparable gods of happiness to Daikoku and Ebisu. This union symbolizes the unity of wealth with spiritual purity.
The Dzoshen god serves to preserve the peace of the hearth, the god Dzurodzin contributes to a long life and rejuvenation, and the figure of the sage Fukurokuju helps in solving difficult problems.
A figurine of a Chinese warrior named Bishamonten (in Japanese history, Bishamon), depicted in full military clothing, contributes to the acquisition of valor and fortitude, as well as the realization of the justice of one's own actions. In Shintoism is one of the seven gods of fortune.