Why were Chinese porcelain figurines mistakenly ca
During the 18th century, China and Japan enjoyed a thriving trade relationship that lasted for centuries. The two nations exchanged goods such as silk, tea, porcelain, and other commodities. However, there was a time when Chinese porcelain figurines were mistakenly referred to as "Japanned ware" by the English people. This misconception stemmed from a mix of cultural ignorance and confusion between the two Asian countries.
The term "Japanned" originally comes from Japan's lacquerware tradition which involves applying layers of varnish made from tree resin or oil to wood or other materials. The process creates an attractive glossy finish that has been prized for its beauty and durability throughout history. In fact, Japanese lacquerware was so highly valued during this period that it often became synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship.
In contrast to Japanned ware, Chinese porcelain is known for its delicate designs and intricate patterns painted onto glazed ceramics using pigments derived from natural sources like minerals or plants. Porcelain originated in China around the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), but it wasn't until later dynasties such as Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) that techniques improved significantly.
As European explorers ventured further into Asia during the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries), they encountered both Japanese lacquerware and Chinese porcelain on their journeys back home. Due to limited knowledge about these foreign products at the time combined with similarities in appearance between some pieces of Japanned ware and early Chinese porcelains featuring black enameling techniques known as "black lacquering," it led many Europeans including English collectors to refer all these beautiful items collectively under one name: Japanned ware.
This misconception persisted even after knowledge about China's unique pottery traditions had increased through books like Marco Polo's accounts published in Europe during his travels along the Silk Road starting from Venice around 1295–1299 AD onwards into subsequent centuries where more detailed descriptions appeared in publications authored by Dutch merchant-adventurers who traveled extensively across Asia during this era too – especially those describing various kinds of wares found within temples dedicated specifically towards Buddha statues found primarily inside Buddhist monasteries built by Buddhists monks residing there at different points over several generations before finally reaching present-day times!
Despite growing awareness among collectors about differences between true Japanese lacquerwork & actual Chinas-made objects created mainly out-of clay using advanced kilns heated up beyond red-hot temperatures while firing them so long-lasting durable ones could be produced following established manufacturing methods perfected over thousands years ago already since ancient times when first started experimenting making ceramics way back then; yet still today we can see remnants left behind after years gone by remaining unaltered almost perfectly well preserved just waiting patiently right here on our planet Earth waiting patiently right here ready now whenever next chance arises!
