Famille Verte Qing Dynasty Porcelain Brush Pot

• Imperial Yellow - Imperial yellow, also known as "yangqing" in Chinese, is a bright, intense shade of yellow that was historically reserved for the exclusive use of the Chinese imperial family. It was considered the most prestigious and luxurious of all colours, and was used to adorn a wide variety of imperial goods, including porcelain.
  
  Chinese porcelain decorated with imperial yellow was highly prized, and was often used to create exquisite pieces of imperial tableware, such as plates, bowls, and cups. The use of imperial yellow on porcelain was a symbol of the emperor's power and authority and was intended to impress and intimidate visitors to the imperial court.
  
  The process of creating imperial yellow porcelain involved a highly complex and labour-intensive process, which was kept secret by the imperial court. The exact recipe for the yellow glaze used on imperial porcelain is still unknown, although it is thought to have been a combination of lead, tin, and antimony, with the addition of a small amount of iron oxide to achieve the distinctive colour.
• Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.
  
  

• Chinese Cracked Ice Motif - The Chinese cracked ice decorative motif is a traditional design that was commonly used in Chinese art and architecture, particularly in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912). The motif is characterized by a pattern of small, irregular cracks or fissures that resemble broken ice.
  
  The cracked ice motif was often used in a variety of decorative arts, such as pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, and furniture. It was also used in architectural elements, such as floor tiles, roof tiles, and wall panels. The motif was typically created by carving or incising the surface of the material, and then filling the cracks with a contrasting color, such as black or gold.
  
  The cracked ice motif symbolizes the idea of "coolness" in Chinese culture, and was often used in architectural elements to create a sense of coolness and shade, especially in hot climates. In decorative arts, it is considered as an elegant and refined design that evokes the natural beauty of ice.
• Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
• Emeralds - Emeralds have been used in jewellery making for thousands of years, and are prized for their deep green colour, which is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium in the mineral beryl. Because of their rare colour, emeralds are often more valuable than diamonds of a similar size and quality. In jewellery making, emeralds are typically cut into round or oval shapes to maximize their color and clarity. They are often set in gold or platinum and used as the centrepiece of a piece of jewellery, such as a ring or necklace. They can also be used in combination with other gems, such as diamonds, to create intricate and beautiful designs.
• Imperial Yellow - Imperial yellow, also called "Chinese Yellow" and "Royal Yellow" is an auspicious colour in Chinese culture.
  
  It was the colour of Imperial China and the symbolic colour of of the five legendary emperors of ancient China. The colour was used to decorate royal palaces and used in the clothing of the emperors.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Chinese ceramics, decoration - Imperial yellow 36
• Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period - vases, Imperial style 127
• Chinese ceramics, famille decoration - famille verte, Wucai, other 271
• Chinese ceramics, item type - pot pourri and jars 1,315
• Chinese scholar's desk accessories - Chinese scholar's brush pots, porcelain and pottery 245