The Nanjing Museum collection of porcelain objects has over 200,000 items. 200 have been put on show for the anniversary. This bottle is for winter sweets. It was made in the Yuan Dynasty 700 years ago, and is the only known example of this kind of red under-glazing that has survived. This kind of porcelain is prized for its technical sophistication and the purity of its colors.
This bronze burner is from the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago. Unlike ordinary blue and white porcelain, the burner features blue undertone and white patterns. The exquisite combination of the two colors represents waves breaking against rocks.
This piece of porcelain is decorated with traditional Chinese motifs. The technique calls on the artisan to first lay on an undercoat of varnish. After that, the colors are applied. This porcelain flower pot combines the techniques required to make blue and white porcelain, with rose porcelain finish.
The 200 items on display are just part of the vast collection of the Nanjing Museum. Its treasures span 20 dynasties, from the 13th century to the 18th century.
(CCTV.com October 29, 2003)
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