Connect

Connect to the Riesco Collection by understanding the process in which they are made and learn how to read ceramics; the symbolism, use of colour and special meanings.

 
 
 
 
 

Understanding Ceramics  

Ceramics are usually made from three basic elements:

Clay + Glaze + Heat

Clay is a rock that has been ground down over thousands of years. It holds its shape when it is heated. Potters mix clay with water to make it easier to handle. It can be formed into shapes by hand, on a potter’s wheel or with moulds.

Glaze acts as the skin of the pot making it waterproof and providing decoration. It often feels like glass when you touch it. The potter mixes the glaze ingredients with water and then applies them to the vessel or sculpture. This is done with a brush or by spraying, pouring or dipping the object into the glaze.

Heat is then used on the clay objects; they are fired in kilns in order to make them into ceramics. This is similar to the way that bread dough is baked in an oven to become bread.

What was the coiling method?

Some of our oldest vessels refer to a process called coiling. Earthenware were modelled by hand until some time in the middle of the Neolithic period and, in most regions, probably later. Coiling involved thick ropes of clay were rolled out and then coiled round on top of one another in order to give the vessel the desired profile. The joins of the coils were then smoothed so that no ridges remained. A support was held against the inside of the vessel, while the exterior was beaten smooth into its final shape with a paddle and anvil, following the pot upwards diagonally from the base to the rim. Close inspection of Yangshao earthenware show no ridges or paddle marks and examination under xeroradiography has shown that paddle-beating was impressively neat and regular. The vessels were then finished by scraping and burnishing occasionally followed by painting and further burnishing.

What are ceramics used for?

Ceramic objects were produced in China from as early as Prehistoric times. They had everyday uses -  such as bowls and cups, as well as often being more elaborate – such as musical instruments and boxes for stationary and jewellery. Chinese people believed that a person should not enter the afterlife without objects that were similar to things that they enjoyed during life. Dishes, furniture or even orchestras were therefore often made with this intention!

 
 

 Reading Ceramics

You can discover a lot about a ceramic by looking carefully at it. Chinese ceramicists often use different colours, animals, flowers and stories to give the creations special meanings. Their choice tells us about the things that are important to them, and to people of the time.

Dragons represent the Emperor on ceramics and textiles. Five-clawed dragons mean that the object was made for the Imperial household. Chinese dragons are not scary like other dragons you might have heard about. They are animals of good with amazing powers. Legend has it that they control the waters of the seas, the rivers and the rain.

Look through our gallery of ceramics featuring dragons below:

Chinese jar made in the Longquan area of Zhejiang province, between 1100 and 1300 (during the Southern Song dynasty). The jar is decorated with a dragon and a bird. (ref: M/1992/422)

Chinese jar made in the Longquan area of Zhejiang province, between 1100 and 1300 (during the Southern Song dynasty). The jar is decorated with a dragon and a bird. (ref: M/1992/422)

Chinese porcelain wine cup made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). It is decorated with dragons and with pictures of the eight auspicious signs. The Chinese writing in the base of the cup means long life

Chinese porcelain wine cup made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). It is decorated with dragons and with pictures of the eight auspicious signs. The Chinese writing in the base of the cup means long life. This cup was probably made for the Imperial household. (ref: M/1992/438)

A Chinese jar decorated with a dragon, used to store food or drink. Made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). (ref: M/1992/464)

A Chinese jar decorated with a dragon, used to store food or drink. Made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). (ref: M/1992/464)

Wine cup with a stem, made in China between 1500 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). An inscription on the bottom of the cup reads 'A gem for the palace on the Road'. (ref: M/1992/470)

Wine cup with a stem, made in China between 1500 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). An inscription on the bottom of the cup reads 'A gem for the palace on the Road'. (ref: M/1992/470)

A white bowl decorated with dragons chasing pearls through waves, in low relief. It was made in China between 1500 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). The brown painted rim imitates the metal rims which were sometimes used on earlier bowls. (ref

A white bowl decorated with dragons chasing pearls through waves, in low relief. It was made in China between 1500 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). The brown painted rim imitates the metal rims which were sometimes used on earlier bowls. (ref: M/1992/492)

Chinese porcelain vase made between 1662 and 1722 AD (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty). The vase hangs by a porcelain chain from a bar in the shape of two dragon heads. This kind of elaborate vase was usually made to show off

Chinese porcelain vase made between 1662 and 1722 AD (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty). The vase hangs by a porcelain chain from a bar in the shape of two dragon heads. This kind of elaborate vase was usually made to show off the potter's skill rather than practical use, although this one may have been meant to hold perfume or sweet smelling spices. (ref: M/1992/499)

The lotus flower is an important symbol in Buddhism and represents purity. The flower is considered pure as it is able to rise and bloom above the muddy waters each morning, achieving enlightenment. The lotus flowers growth gives different meaning; from bud (the time before enlightenment) to full bloom (full enlightenment). Different coloured lotus flowers held different meanings, for instance blue for wisdom.

Buddhist symbols appear on many objects in the Riesco collection. Some were made for Buddhist temples and shrines, but others are simply decorative. Buddhism has been practised in China for almost 2000 years and it is also thriving in Croydon today.

Look through our gallery of ceramics featuring lotus flowers below:

A Chinese porcelain figure made between 1550 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). This is a statue of Amitabha Buddha, sitting in the lotus position on a lotus flower. He has a halo which is supported by a bird and a flask of nectar (amrita - the n

A Chinese porcelain figure made between 1550 and 1600 AD (during the Ming dynasty). This is a statue of Amitabha Buddha, sitting in the lotus position on a lotus flower. He has a halo which is supported by a bird and a flask of nectar (amrita - the nectar of immortality). (ref: M/1992/484)

Porcelain dish made in China between 1736 and 1795 AD (during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, of the Qing dynasty). One of the boys is holding a lotus blossom which is a good luck symbol. The other boy is playing a musical instrument, like a pan pipe,

Porcelain dish made in China between 1736 and 1795 AD (during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, of the Qing dynasty). One of the boys is holding a lotus blossom which is a good luck symbol. The other boy is playing a musical instrument, like a pan pipe, called a sheng. Sheng also means to give birth to, so a picture of a woman, boys and a sheng means may you give birth to lots of sons. (ref: M/1992/556)

One of a pair of 11th - 12th century Chinese conical bowls (made during the Northern Song / Jin dynasty). It has carved with lotus scrolls and combed decoration beneath an olive green glaze. Northern celadon. (ref: M/1992/401/1)

One of a pair of 11th - 12th century Chinese conical bowls (made during the Northern Song / Jin dynasty). It has carved with lotus scrolls and combed decoration beneath an olive green glaze. Northern celadon. (ref: M/1992/401/1)

Chinese stoneware bowl from 11th - 12th century (made during the Northern Song or the Jin dynasty). It has carved and combed decoration of lotus flowers, beneath an olive green glaze. (ref: M/1992/411)

Chinese stoneware bowl from 11th - 12th century (made during the Northern Song or the Jin dynasty). It has carved and combed decoration of lotus flowers, beneath an olive green glaze. (ref: M/1992/411)

Colour also holds special meaning, with certain colours being for specific use. For instance only people from the Imperial household could use yellow ceramic. Other designs included Chinese mythical creatures and symbols of the gods. Some creatures were not as scary as they looked; fearsome looking qilins were actually peaceful creatures who took great care never to tread on any living thing. They were symbols Shou Lao, the god of long life.

Look through our gallery of ceramics featuring more symbolism and meanings below:

Miniature vase made in China between 1662 and 1722 (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty), for export abroad. It is decorated with qilins, mythical animals who were a symbol of good luck. The decoration was painted on in blue befo

Miniature vase made in China between 1662 and 1722 (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty), for export abroad. It is decorated with qilins, mythical animals who were a symbol of good luck. The decoration was painted on in blue before the vase was covered in clear glaze and fired. (ref: M/1992/525)

Chinese porcelain dish was made between 1662 and 1722 (Qing dynasty). The image is of two of the immortals from the paradise in the Eastern Ocean. One is riding a deer, which symbolises long life and the other is riding a magical animal called a qili

Chinese porcelain dish was made between 1662 and 1722 (Qing dynasty). The image is of two of the immortals from the paradise in the Eastern Ocean. One is riding a deer, which symbolises long life and the other is riding a magical animal called a qilin. The qilin, deer and crane are symbols of Shou Lao. (ref: M/1992/510)

One of a pair of Chinese porcelain dishes. The reign mark on the bottom shows that it was made between 1723 and 1735 (during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, of the Qing dynasty). Both dishes are decorated with dragons chasing pearls through clouds, c

One of a pair of Chinese porcelain dishes. The reign mark on the bottom shows that it was made between 1723 and 1735 (during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, of the Qing dynasty). Both dishes are decorated with dragons chasing pearls through clouds, carved into the clay beneath a yellow glaze. (ref: M/1992/543/1)

Chinese yellow saucer, made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). Yellow was a difficult colour to make and bowls of this colour would have been expensive. This bowl was probably used by the emperor and his

Chinese yellow saucer, made between 1522 and 1566 (during the reign of Emperor Jiajing, of the Ming dynasty). Yellow was a difficult colour to make and bowls of this colour would have been expensive. This bowl was probably used by the emperor and his household. (ref: M/1992/458)

Chinese porcelain dish, made between 1567 - 1572 AD (Ming dynasty; Mark and period of Longqing). At the time this dish was made, painters quite happily mixed up all kinds of stories, lucky symbols & traditional designs. This dish is typical, with a

Chinese porcelain dish, made between 1567 - 1572 AD (Ming dynasty; Mark and period of Longqing). At the time this dish was made, painters quite happily mixed up all kinds of stories, lucky symbols & traditional designs. This dish is typical, with a mix of a story about Monkey stealing peaches from the Garden of Immortality & the lucky symbols of a flute, musical chimes and lotus flowers (ref: M/1992/469)

Chinese porcelain box with lid, made between 1662 and 1722 (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty). It is decorated with a carp and leaves, painted in enamels over the glaze. A picture of a carp symbolises plenty. (ref: M/1992/541)

Chinese porcelain box with lid, made between 1662 and 1722 (during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of the Qing dynasty). It is decorated with a carp and leaves, painted in enamels over the glaze. A picture of a carp symbolises plenty. (ref: M/1992/541)

Chinese food dish, made in 1573 - 1619 AD (Ming dynasty; Mark and period of Wanli). The man with the sword is Zhong Kui who was believed to ward off evil spirits. His image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit. The plate is also d

Chinese food dish, made in 1573 - 1619 AD (Ming dynasty; Mark and period of Wanli). The man with the sword is Zhong Kui who was believed to ward off evil spirits. His image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit. The plate is also decorated with flowers, Buddhist symbols called the eight treasures, and gourds, which symbolise good luck. (ref: M/1992/472)