Study On The Main Motif Module System Of Kraak Porcelain Plates

This paper takes the Kraak porcelain plates found out of water, unearthed or passed down from the ancient as the research subject, and hope give a comprehensive analysis on the main body motif module system of Kraak porcelain plates by referencing the related literatures, the previous studies and applying module theory, art iconography, archaeology and comparative art research methods. First, a brief overview of the Kraak’s production and sales is offered, leads to the conclusion that the needs for Kraak plates were then featured in high-volume and variety, and then this part points out that such a contradictory demand is exactly corresponded with German art historian Lothar Ledderose’s "module" system goals. Secondly, the Kraak’s motif module types and combinations are analyzed according to the modularized creation processes, i.e. the module systems’realization levels. This is the root of the module’s name, origin, expressions of elements, combination method targeted at ornament, three common structures (vertical structure, half-packed structure and independent structure) and realization of new unit to complete the module system. Finally, the paper further discusses the reasons for the birth of the Kraak’s main motif modules system as well as its modularized production’s functions, at the same time, it tells that, the Kraak’s module system forms mainly because of Kraak plates’goods property, meanwhile the creation majority’s limited thinking patterns and other art types like print and Chinese painting also pushes the module’s formation. The modularized production of the Kraak’s main motif directly results in the highly compact division of labor during the production in that time, maintaining the social relationships further reacting in the establishment of Kraak porcelain plates’motif module system; now, the advantages of the Kraak motif’s modularized decoration can serves as reference for the decoration of art commodities and assist archaeologists to repair Kraak plates fragments.Through the study of Kraak porcelain plates’main motif modular system, the paper is to broaden the research ideas on the topic, while further deepening the "module" thoughts with the case studies.