Orchids, bamboo, plum, and chrysanthemums are described as
gentlemen with noble and unsullied characters in traditional
Chinese literature. As subjects of artworks, they are also held in
high esteem among Chinese. In fact, late Chairman Mao Zedong's
favorite of the four floral spirits is not only found in his many
poems but also on the utensils he used, including the porcelain
products made exclusively for him, known as Mao Ci or "Chairman Mao
porcelain."
On Saturday, a set of four porcelain vases featuring the four
plants and reproduced from Mao Ci, were unveiled at the Capital
Museum as new Olympic licensed products. The ceremony was held 300
days prior to the 2008 Olympic Games and it was observed by Mao
Xinyu, grandson of Chairman Mao.
"It is my great honor to unveil the four vases. Mao Ci was born
in Hunan Province which is my grandfather's hometown. Today, I am
happy the traditional craftsmanship which accompanied my
grandfather for years, can be re-developed for the 2008 Olympic
Games," Mao said.
Technically speaking, Mao Ci is a kind of renaissance in Chinese
ceramic-making history, marking many breakthroughs in the
field.
"I hope Mao Ci can be seen by more people around the world which
would help deepen the understanding of China's splendid porcelain
making history," says Mao Xinyu, the son of Mao Anqing, second son
of Mao Zedong.
Mao Ci was first produced in 1975 and was also known as "7501"
ceremic product. To produce high quality porcelain items, experts
in Hunan and Jiangxi provinces engaged in intense research for
years and created the so-called Red Guan Yao (red government
official kiln). Their success came in late 1975. The set of white
porcelain pieces produced at that time were painted in light red
patterns, such as plum blossom, which were Chairman Mao's favorite
flower.
All the products made in 1975 were sent to Beijing. Some items
of inferior quality were given as souvenirs to those who had worked
to make them. Later, these articles began to appear in the market.
At auction, most of the "7501" pieces have been sold for high
prices. A single cup could fetch 600,000 yuan ($80,000).
They were made by technicians in two places so it is difficult
to replicate such products after so many years.
A set of four porcelain
vases are painted with old famous Chinese poems and sayings
alongside the four kinds of plants, together with Fuwa, the mascots
of the Beijing Olympic Games. (File photos)
To revive the traditional craftsmanship, Deng Wenke
and Li Renzhong, two Mao Ci masters who had worked for Chairman Mao
in ceramic making, were invited to design and make the four vases.
The techniques used now are exactly the same as that used on
porcelain products made for Chairman Mao.
The painting of the four kinds of plants also has special
meanings. Plum Blossom, the hardy winter flower and the first to
come into bloom, year after year, symbolizes constancy in love.
Orchid, the fragrant wild orchid that grows near water deep in the
woodland is the epitome of femininity and serene beauty in the
shadows of obscurity. Chrysanthemum, the emblem of China that goes
on flowering in a blaze of color long after summer flowers have
faded, defying the onset of winter. Its strong bright blooms are
seen as a triumph of hope over adversity. Bamboo, sturdy, upright
and vigorous, but with humility, represents a virtuous life.
Moreover, the four vases are painted with old famous Chinese
poems and sayings alongside the four plants, together with Fuwa,
the mascots of the Beijing Olympic Games, on the top.
"The four vases combine the creative design and high-quality
ceramic making skills," says Fu Weijie, the secretary-in-general of
China Ceramic Industry Association. "It is the first time in
Chinese history we produced such a set of ceramic vases which
resemble the ceramics made and used by Chairman Mao in 1975."
A total of 8,000 sets of the four ceramic vases are available
for sale.
Chinese traditional porcelain originated in the Shang Dynasty
(1600-1046 BC). It became an industry in the Han Dynasty (202 BC-
AD 406) and boomed in the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (960-1279)
dynasties. It hit a peak in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Historically, Chinese porcelain, whose features are said to be
"white as jade, thin as paper, bright as a mirror with the sound of
a music stone," is famous throughout the world.
(China Daily October 16, 2007)
