Most Jianshui purple Clay artifacts, in essence, are the result of combining “form” with “shape.” Only by achieving as perfect a union of “form” and “shape” as possible can artisans create outstanding Jianshui purple clay works.
The two homophonic Chinese characters have different meanings. “Form” refers to the shape of the artifact; it is fixed and static, and can be more broadly understood as tradition. When we speak of a certain form now, we refer to a shape that has been established over the course of history. Only when made in that particular way can it be called that specific form.
“Shape,” on the other hand, is changeable and dynamic, with each artifact having a unique shape. Relatively speaking, Jianshui purple clay artifacts offer more expressive space in terms of “shape.” Artifacts of the same form can have one-of-a-kind “shapes” in their decoration, carrying distinct meanings.
Negative engraving and positive filling, along with literati Painting and calligraphy, make the “shape” of Jianshui purple clay artifacts infinitely variable. The Chinese ink and wash art displayed represents the emotional expression and individuality of the artist.
The unique decorative technique of negative engraving and positive filling permanently embeds literati painting and calligraphy into the artifact. This technique is a recreation of literati painting and calligraphy, and due to the inevitable changes in lines and colors during the repeated process of engraving and filling, it also involves some degree of re-creation, which is a key reason why purple clay artifacts can be “one-of-a-kind.”
“Form” is the skeleton, while “shape” is the flesh and Blood. An outstanding Jianshui purple clay artifact requires both “form” and “shape.”
Author | Zhuan Shan