A Qing Dynasty Famille Noire Square Vase

A famille noire vase of square tapering form the side panels pierced with figurative scenes.

Famille noir, meaning ‘the black family’, is a sub category of the famille verte group. Though set on a black background, it shares other characteristics of the ‘green family’. The additional black component is created during a complicated process in which green lead based enamel is applied over a dark cobalt ground. During the firing process the two materials merge, thereby creating the solid, dark colour.

The example shown here holds densely decorated panels depicting figures in rich greens.