The origin of “China”

The Chinese name for China is Zhongguo.

Zhong means “center, middle” and guo means “country.” Literally Zhongguo means “middle kingdom” or “central country.” No self-esteem problems there. But the real question is, why is the country called China by the rest of the world?

One explanation is that it comes from Jingdezhen, originally known as Changnan. Since Changnan was the source of the porcelain that was exported to Europe in the 16th century, the type of porcelain and hence the country of its origin came to be known by a mispronunciation of the name of the town Changnan or “China.”

It is a good story. However, more likely the name China comes from the word Qin from the Qin dynasty (221 BC – 206 BC). Then again, it is also posited that it comes from the Indian word “sina” which means silk. Or perhaps it is the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) which also coincides with the major porcelain trade with Europe. I’m glad that I was able to clarify that.

Jingdezhen

Jingdezhen is a city in the northest of Jiangxi Province.

It is known as the “Porcelain Capital” of the world. The most famous types of porcelain from Jingdezhen are the blue and white porcelain, which has been produced since the Yuan dynasty (1280-1368AD) and the rice-patterned (linglongci) porcelain that was introduced in the Song dynasty (960-1279AD). Some think that the rice-shaped translucent patterns in linglongci china results from rice grains placed in the clay before it is fired. Actually, small holes are carved in the soft porcelain and it is the glaze that fills the holes and results in the translucent pattern after it is fired. Jingdezhen porcelain was described as being “as white as jade, as thin as paper, as sound as a bell, as bright as a mirror.” The city continues to be a major source of fine porcelain.

The major styles of Jingdezhen porcelain are:

Yaobian Porcelain

Yaobian vases feature a simple, natural shape combined with sophisticated colors. Their dominant purple-red glaze flows into cyan and moon white in a pattern that takes on a life of its own and enhances the beauty of the vase. Glazing the fired body of the vase multiple times, then baking at a low temperature creates such patterns. The copper, cobalt, titanium, manganese, and iron coloring elements combine to produce a variety of shades, mingling with the red glaze on the porcelain to create striking hues.

Celadon/Yingqing Porcelain

The production of monochromatic ceramics matured over several centuries in Northern China, achieving particular success with green-glazed “qingci” or “celadon” pieces. These were developed as Ru, Guan, Ge, and Jingdezhen ware to a high level. The delicately lobed and rounded bodies of these porcelains reflect the mastery of the artisans from this period.

Blue and White Underglaze/Qinghuaci Porcelain

Drawing the design with cobalt pigment onto the stoneware body, and painting over it with a transparent glaze creates the blue-white style, also known as “underglaze blue”. The piece is then fired at a high temperature. Blue-white porcelain was introduced during the Yuan Dynasty and has been continuously in production ever since, thanks to is bright colors, simple yet elegant patterns, and smooth glaze that never fades.

Wucai Porcelain

Wucai is a type of overglaze decoration. After firing the piece at a low temperature; red, green, yellow, blue, and purple enamels are applied to the white ware. Wucai has been popular since the early Qing Dynasty.

Doucai Porcelain

Doucai Porcelains feature an unusual combination of exquisite patterns, color coordination, and well-executed color filling. It reached its height in the Yonzhen and Kangxi reigns during the Qing Dynasty. The blue-white color is first applied under the glaze. Then red, green, and yellow are filled over the glaze and the piece is fired at low temperatures.

Famille Rose/Fenaici Porcelain

Famille Rose was developed during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, and is based on the Wucai and Doucai styles. Famille rose porcelains feature complex, ornate patterns with a balanced tone, detailed drawing, and steady color.