Chinese porcelain has more than three millennia in its history. It arose, according to unreliable data, in the VI-VII century AD. e. For example, finds of ceramic figurines from burials date back to this time. According to other sources, the first found shards were made of the so-called proto-porcelain and can be dated back to the 2nd century.
Traditionally, Chinese porcelain was made from three components. A centuries-old recipe prescribed to include white clay (or kaolin), silicate feldspar, and also a quartz mineral in the composition of porcelain. At one of the final stages, Chinese porcelain figurines were fired in a kiln at a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees.
Start
So, in 583, the Chinese emperor Wen-di (Yang Jian) from the Sui dynasty gave an order and began the production of miniature porcelain figurines for domestic use. There were several factories, and today it is already difficult to accurately date the production of a particular figurine.
At the same time, samples of Chinese porcelain products differ from each other depending on the province in which they were produced. ATIn the Middle Ages, craft centers began to emerge that specialized in the production of porcelain. At the same time, individual master sculptors also became famous. Such a master was, for example, He Chao-Zong from the province of Foshan. He created a large collection of figurines using snow white or ivory enamel.
Modernity
Chinese porcelain has been admired by Europeans for 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 technology for the production of Chinese porcelain, but held on She is in the strictest confidence. Only by the 17th century did Europeans learn how to make their own porcelain and they had their own masters, but this happened much later.
Therefore, already in the 19th century, the production of porcelain in the Middle Kingdom began to decline, although Chinese figurines of earlier production (before the 18th century) were still highly valued. Most of the old figurines were real masterpieces - it was not without reason that factories for the mass production of fakes of these artifacts began to open in the country.
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 the beauty and craftsmanship, they symbolize traditional values, act as talismans adopted in the practice of Feng Shui, "attracting" to theirto the owners or to the dwelling in which they are, happiness, prosperity, well-being, he alth, etc.
Below we will look at some of the most famous figurines.
Three Elders
These are three Chinese figurines - the so-called antique set under the general name of San-sin. According to ancient astrological canons, this is the personification of the three brightest stars from the constellation of the Southern Hemisphere Carina. The largest of the luminaries - the red star Canopus - is the old man Show-sin with a white beard. In his hands he holds, as a rule, a scroll and a peach. It is designed to bring good he alth and a long prosperous life to its owner.
The legend about the origin of this image says that allegedly one of the emperors of the Song dynasty, having once seen a homeless beggar old man, sheltered him in the palace, and since then the ruler lived for many more years without troubles and ailments. It is interesting that temples were even built in honor of the elder Shou-sin in China.
Elder Fu-xing is more diverse in execution. He is made in a blue or red caftan, sometimes he holds a baby in his arms, and sometimes only a scroll. It symbolizes career growth, success in the comprehension of sciences and the prosperity associated with this. In addition, this deity serves as a talisman for he althy and numerous offspring.
The third Elder Lu-sin is usually depicted with a scroll and a scepter. Sometimes a baby in her arms is found in this figurine. It is believed that Lu-xing brings to the owner all the benefits associated with gaining power.
These three Chinese figurines are traditionally purchased together,it is believed that only unity will attract the named benefits in full force.
Hotei
Seven figurines of the sage Hotei (Budai), who is sometimes erroneously called the Buddha, are popular. In the hands of the figurine can hold a peach, an umbrella, a gold bar, a fan. Hotei can sit on a dragon or be surrounded by kids.
A certain Chinese monk is considered to be the prototype of this figurine. Choosing instead of solitude in the monastery of wandering around the world, he earned his living by predicting the weather. Hotei's begging bag and staff - that's all his property. The vital energy and natural cheerfulness of this man's disposition were concentrated in his large belly (after all, it was there, according to the Chinese, that the source of the vital forces of qi was located).
Hotei is the god of communication, fun and prosperity. It is traditionally believed that in order to fulfill a wish, you need to rub the figurines on the stomach three hundred times, thinking about your dream.
Other figurines
Besides the above, other samples of Chinese figurines are also known. Among them are two inseparable gods of happiness, Daikoku and Ebisu. This union symbolizes the unity of we alth with spiritual purity.
The god Zaoshen serves to keep the hearth at peace, the god Jurojin promotes long life and rejuvenation, and the figurine of the sage Fukurokuju helps in solving difficult problems.
The figurine of a Chinese warrior named Bishamonten (in Japanese history - Bishamon), depicted in full military attire, contributes to the acquisition of valor and fortitude, as well as awareness of the justice of one's owndeeds. In Shinto, it is one of the seven gods of luck.
