Political, Ethnic, and Religious Conventions: Study on the Mechanism of Color Culture Formation of Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Buddhist Porcelain During the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty

Abstract

Abstract: During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Tibetan Buddhism experienced a period of widespread popularity in China. The era's courtly Buddhist artifacts distinctly showcased the opulence and grandeur of the times, along with the intrinsic characteristic of religion serving political purposes. This study delves into the court Buddhist porcelain produced by the Imperial Kiln Factory during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period, drawing upon actual porcelain pieces conserved in the Palace Museums of Beijing and Taipei, and integrating archival records from the Qing Imperial Household Department. By employing cultural concepts and cultural genesis theories, the research constructs an analytical framework to interpret the emergence of color culture within four key dimensions: technology, ideology, systems, and social interaction.The investigation suggests that the development of color culture was significantly influenced by the advanced overglaze color techniques, such as ancient and pastel colors, perfected at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Factory. These techniques provided a robust technical foundation for decoration. A consensus-based color system emerged, shaped by the mutual influences and restrictions of the royal family, the Manchu ethnic group, and Buddhist practices. This system was characterized by its multifunctionality, serving to demonstrate power, validate religious doctrines, and uphold ceremonial practices, thus leading to a complex blend of color concepts. Moreover, the production mechanisms involving emperors, intellectuals, and craftsmen facilitated a cross-class exchange of color ideas.Furthermore, the study underscores how the intertwining of technology, ideology, systems, and social interactions in color culture reflects the intricate interplay and contradictions among political, ethnic, and religious elements. This interplay and these contradictions were pivotal in redefining the value orientation and conceptual hierarchy of color culture during the Qianlong period, underpinned by the collective agreements of these diverse influences.