Tang Ying

Tang Ying (唐英, 1682-1756) was a Qing dynasty official, calligrapher, painter, poet, and playwright, best known for his role as the supervisor of the Jingdezhen imperial kilns for nearly thirty years.

Born into a Han Chinese Bannerman family in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Tang Ying entered imperial service at a young age. His early career involved various positions within the Imperial Household Department, providing him with intimate knowledge of court tastes and preferences.

In 1728, he was appointed assistant director (協理) of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. The following year, he became director (督陶官), a position he held, with a few brief interruptions, until his death in 1756. Under his leadership, the Jingdezhen kilns reached new heights of technical and artistic excellence. He was deeply involved in all aspects of porcelain production, from the selection of raw materials to the design and firing processes. He introduced new techniques and glazes, and actively encouraged innovation, resulting in a vast array of exquisite and highly sought-after porcelain wares.

Tang Ying's contributions extended beyond mere administration. He was a connoisseur of the arts and a skilled artist himself. He often designed porcelain shapes and decorations, drawing inspiration from painting, calligraphy, and ancient bronzes. He is also credited with authoring several important treatises on porcelain production, including Tao Ye Tu Shuo (陶瓷圖說), which documents the various stages of ceramic manufacture.

His influence on Qing dynasty porcelain is undeniable. Pieces produced under his supervision are often referred to as "Tang Ying wares" and are highly prized by collectors for their quality, beauty, and historical significance.