Question

Chinese ceramics, like the blue and white Ming Dynasty vase, were often ____, meaning that the decoration was molded or incised beneath rather than on top of the glaze.

A. overglazed
B. reglazed
C. underglazed
D. double glazed
E. "secret" glazed

Answer 1

Chinese ceramics, like the blue and white Ming Dynasty vase, were often underglazed, indicating that the decorative patterns were applied beneath the final glaze coating. The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chinese ceramics like the blue and white Ming Dynasty vase were often underglazed, meaning that the decoration was molded or incised beneath rather than on top of the glaze.

The artisans would first apply the blue decoration to the white clay body of the vessel, and then the entire piece would be covered with a clear glaze.

After the application of the glaze, the vase would be fired at a high temperature. The underglaze technique allowed for intricate designs that were protected by the glaze, creating a smooth, durable finish.

This method was a contrast to overglazing, where the glaze is applied over already-fired and colored designs, or double glazing, involving multiple layers of glaze applied at different stages. The correct option is C.