A pair of Chinese porcelain figurines of parrots, 18th century.

Description A pair of Chinese porcelain figurines of parrots, 18th century. Dimensions: 10.8 x 3.0 x 4.5 cm.   History of Monochromes glaze on porcelain: Chinese monochrome porcelain is said to have its roots in the Song dynasty (960-1279). At the turn of the first millennium, China was the world’s most advanced civilization and this epoch is known for the invention of movable type printing, bank notes, gunpowder, the compass and even the concept of the restaurant. Early Chinese monochromes were black and white but very quickly, competition emerged. Kilns vied with each other to see who could make the most exquisite pieces of monochrome Chinese porcelain. In the Song dynasty, the emergence of Ge ware, Guan ware, Ru ware and Jun ware enabled a new burst of colour to appear within the ceramic production. As the Song dynasty made way for the Yuan, dramatic advancements in the production of Chinese monochrome vases and indeed all forms of Chinese monochromes were developed. The Ming dynasty was when new glazing techniques were established. In the Ming dynasty, the most popular monochrome colours used by the imperial court were yellow, red and blue. When the Qing dynasty arrived, monochromes were very much loved by the emperor and the court. New innovations within the Qing dynasty saw the arrival of new glazes. Further development of enamelled glazes produced remarkable colours not seen before. A pair of Chinese porcelain figurines of parrots, 18th-19th century –Two exceptional and beautiful items.   Code: C387