Blue Crackle Glaze Washer with Stand and Box

• Crackling and Crackle as a Decorative Technique - Crackle, also known as crackling, is a decorative technique that has been used in China for centuries. It is believed to have originated during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) and was primarily used in the production of ceramics, lacquerware, and furniture. The crackling effect was achieved by applying a glaze or lacquer that was formulated to crack during firing, creating a crackled pattern on the surface of the item.
  
  During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), crackle became a highly sought-after decorative technique, and it was used to create intricate and beautiful designs on ceramics and lacquer ware.
  
  In Western decorative arts, crackle / crackling came into use during the Art Nouveau movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. The crackling effect was used to create a sense of movement and fluidity in the design of Art Nouveau pieces.
  
  It was also used in the 1920s and 1930s during the Art Deco movement.
• Republic Period - The Chinese Republic period, also known as the Republic of China period, lasted from 1912 to 1949. It began with the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and the establishment of the Republic of China under Sun Yat-sen. During this period, the country underwent significant political, social, and economic changes, including the adoption of a new constitution, the expansion of civil liberties, and the modernization of the economy. However, the Republic of China period was also marked by political instability, with numerous warlords and factions vying for power and influence, and the country was eventually engulfed in a civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists. The Republic of China period came to an end in 1949, when the Communists emerged victorious and established the People's Republic of China, while the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan where they established a separate government.
• Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.
  
  

• Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
• Crackles / Cracquelure - In ceramics, crackles may be introduced intentionally during the firing process, as was often the case with Oriental ceramics, and are known as artificial crackles. Natural crackles occur with age, and if the glaze is transparent, may be difficult to detect. Natural crackles may not cover the whole surface of the object and may be uneven in size.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period - vases, Republic period (1912 - 1949) 449
• Chinese ceramics, item type - boxes 234
• Chinese scholar's desk accessories - Chinese scholar's brush washers, other materials 201