Allure of Vibrant Purple Pottery for Home Décor and Gifting

The Allure of Purple Pottery

Purple pottery has become an increasingly popular decorative element in homes around the world. The rich, regal color and unique glazing effects have captivated collectors and interior designers alike. But what exactly is purple pottery and what makes it so special? Here's an in-depth look at everything you need to know about this eye-catching ceramic ware.

The History of Purple Pottery

While vibrantly colored pottery has been produced for thousands of years across many cultures, potters in the Tang Dynasty of ancient China (618-907 AD) were among the first to perfect an intriguing purple and blue glaze effect. By manipulating the copper content and firing conditions, they created the iconic purple pottery now known as Yue ware.

The unusual purple and blue hues were regarded as a mark of culture and refinery. Emperors and nobles commissioned expensive pieces decorated with stylized animal motifs or landscape scenes rendered in lavender. Thus, purple pottery became intrinsically linked with imperial China and elite tastes.

Modern Revival of a Classic Style

After falling out of favor for centuries, purple pottery has seen a major revival in the 21st century. High-end designers such as Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade have incorporated purple ceramic pieces into their homeware lines. At the same time, boutique potteries focused just on purple products have popped up to feed growing interest.

Contemporary purple pottery runs the gamut from sleek coffee mugs to ornate vases with metallic accents. There are also many whimsical items like purple planters and tea sets that reflect current trends toward playful, colorful home accessories. Thanks to increased production levels and modern manufacturing streamlining the glazing process, purple pottery is now accessible at lower price points.

Choosing Decorative Purple Pottery

Purple pottery encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from pale mauve bisqueware to rich royal purple glazes with blue undertones. When selecting pieces, consider which shade best suits your existing color scheme.

Dark eggplant and wine purple sets bring gorgeous drama for formal dining rooms and chic modern spaces. Softer lavender or lilac-tinted ceramics have a vintage allure perfect for shabby chic cottages and French country decors. For bohemian or eclectic settings, a mix of purple hues and stylistic genres can blend together beautifully. Just be sure to unified by an overall color story.

Caring for Purple Pottery

While durable, ceramic purple pottery requires some special care. Always check if items are dishwasher and microwave-safe or should be hand washed instead. Improper cleaning can strip vibrant exterior glazes. Also take care not to subject pieces to sudden temperature changes which may crack the clay body.

Store ceramic items safely padded with newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent chipping and scratches. As with any colorful porous clay, expect some rubbing off of pigment onto surfaces. Place purple pottery on coordinating purple or darker table linens rather than light carpets or drapes where dye transfer would be noticeable.

Key Types of Purple Pottery

Yue Ware

This famous purple and blue pottery arose during the Chinese Tang Dynasty and continues to be highly coveted. Hallmarks include its unique "hare's fur" streaking within the glaze along with motifs like cloud scrolls and stylized dragons. Traditional Yue ware utilized exotic clays, firing methods, and nanopigments requiring extensive skill to successfully produce.

Amethyst Pottery

Many modern potteries create simpler purple wares with rich amethyst-like tones. These tend to use dependable manufacturing methods powered by electricity rather than risky wood-firing. Expect thicker stoneware instead of delicate porcelains. When examining such pottery, look for depth of color, expert throwing rings on ceramics, quality glaze applications, and aesthetically pleasing forms.

Ombré Pottery

Ombré refers to pottery exhibiting a graduated shift in color, usually from dark to light. Purple ombré pieces may fade from a deep eggplant base to soft lilac rims. The subtle color blending injects softness into purple pottery's inherently bold presence. When purchasing, inspect for smooth fading without blotches or uneven patches.

Artistic Uses for Purple Pottery

Beyond being displayed as-is, creative uses for purple pottery abound. Groupings of variously sized containers brimming with flowers or foliage make stunning centerpieces. Mismatched vintage purple pitchers charmingly bundle cut stems taken from your garden.

Purple ceramics also shine as artistic canvases. Have children paint cheery animal scenes onto bisqueware mugs or plates using special non-toxic glazes suitable for firing. Alternately, recruit a potter to etch custom designs with personalized messages as meaningful gifts for brides and grads.

For special events like weddings, fill ombré vases with coordinating flowers in soft pastel hues. Scatter gold-lustred confetti across tables for an elegant royal feast vignette. The possibilities are endless when you begin envisioning all that purple pottery can bring to your special celebrations and decor.

Displaying Purple Pottery

When exhibiting purple pottery, you'll want to highlight its engaging colors while harmonizing with surrounding decors. For controlled vignettes, set pieces against solid neutral backdrops like white, black, or wood. Crisp contrast emphasizes depth of tone and unique surface patterns.

Alternately, echo purple pottery's majestic air by pairing with other regal elements. Display on gilded bar carts alongside jewel-toned glassware and candles glowing within translucent amethyst lanterns. Just take care not to oversaturate a space with too much monochromatic purple. Vary shades and textures to keep groupings lively rather than flat.

No matter your decorative vision, purple pottery is guaranteed to become a treasured focal point admired by all who cross its path. Just take care to carefully assess quality when curating your collection of this increasingly popular ceramic ware.

FAQs

What are the most iconic types of antique purple pottery?

The most famous is Chinese Yue ware pottery from the Tang Dynasty era. It has a signature "hare's fur" streaking effect within the vibrant purple and blue glazes.

Can modern commercial purple pottery match the quality of ancient wares?

While not identical, contemporary mass-produced purple pottery uses reliable techniques to emulate the rich jewel tones and decorative styles of earlier eras at affordable prices.

Is purple pottery suitable for contact with food?

Always check manufacturer guidelines. Some purple glazes may contain traces of lead or cadmium unsuitable for plates and mugs. Non-toxic varieties intended for functional use will be labeled food-safe.

Should purple pottery objects be washed by hand or in the dishwasher?

To prevent stripping pigments from the porous clay surface, gentle handwashing is best for preserving decorative purple pottery used as flower vases or for display. Sturdy kitchenware and tableware is often durable enough for dishwasher use.