The Development of Bionic Porcelain Techniques and the Representation of Nature in Aesthetic Form
Keywords:
Bionic Motifs; Ceramics, Biomimicry; Digital Fabrication; Sustainable Ceramic Design; Cultural SymbolismAbstract
Ceramics have long incorporated bionic motifs inspired by nature, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes across different dynasties. This study explores the role of bionic motifs in ancient ceramics, their structural and artistic significance, the impact of modern fabrication techniques, and the integration of sustainability in ceramic design. A qualitative research approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with ceramic experts and visual analysis of historical artifacts from the Tang, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Additionally, secondary data from academic sources provided insights into the evolution of biomimicry in porcelain design. The findings reveal that bionic motifs such as fish scales and bamboo joints were deeply rooted in cultural symbolism while also enhancing ceramic durability and usability. Digital fabrication techniques like 3D printing and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) engraving have enabled precise replication of these motifs, though challenges such as high costs, material compatibility, and loss of handcrafted authenticity persist. The study also highlights a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, intelligent glazing, and self-cleaning surfaces in contemporary biomimetic ceramics. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of biomimicry in ceramics, emphasizing its role in preserving cultural heritage while promoting technological advancements, sustainability, and innovation in modern porcelain design. Future research could explore advanced fabrication techniques and sustainable biomimetic materials in ceramic design. Additionally, further studies may examine the integration of smart technologies to enhance functionality and efficiency in porcelain production.
Downloads
References
Ahamed, M. K., Wang, H., & Hazell, P. J. (2022). From biology to biomimicry: Using nature to build better structures–A review. Construction and Building Materials, 320, 126195.
Alarifi, I. M. (2024). Revolutionising fabrication advances and applications of 3D printing with composite materials: a review. Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 19(1), e2390504.
Artzze. (2025). A late Qing Dynasty Chinese porcelain blue white Man Tang Fu Ji mark 4 character mark dish. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from Artzze.com website: https://www.artzze.com/shop/asian-art/chinese-art/chinese-ceramics-works-of-art/a-late-qing-dynasty-chinese-porcelain-blue-white-man-tang-fu-ji-mark-4-character-mark-dish
Bănică, C. F., Sover, A., & Anghel, D. C. (2024). Printing the future layer by layer: A comprehensive exploration of additive manufacturing in the era of Industry 4.0. Applied Sciences, 14(21), 9919.
Basin | Chinese, for British market | The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (2024). Basin | Chinese, for British market. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art website: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/201056
Behera, A., & Behera, A. (2022). Self-cleaning materials. In Advanced Materials: A introduction to modern materials science (pp. 359-394).
Bellemare, J. (2021). "A New Creation of This Dynasty": Enamels, Glass, and the Deployment of Color in Qing China, 1700–1735. (Doctoral dissertation, Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture).
Chen, W., Gan, L., & Huang, J. (2023). Design, manufacturing and functions of pore-structured materials: From biomimetics to artificial. Biomimetics, 8(2), 140.
Cidade, M. K., Perini, J. T., & Palombini, F. L. (2022). Bionics for inspiration: A new look at Brazilian natural materials for application in sustainable jewelry. In Bionics and sustainable design (pp. 195-223). Springer Nature Singapore.
Cumbajin, E., Rodrigues, N., Costa, P., Miragaia, R., Frazão, L., Costa, N., ... & Pereira, A. (2023). A real-time automated defect detection system for ceramic pieces manufacturing process based on computer vision with deep learning. Sensors, 24(1), 232.
Fan, X. (2022). Interaction, appropriation, and adaptation: Transculturality of seventeenth-and eighteenth-century Chinese and European porcelain. (Doctoral dissertation).
Finlay, R. (2010). The pilgrim art: cultures of porcelain in world history (Vol. 11). Univ of California Press.
Gamage, A. U. (2015). Exploring a Biomimicry Approach to Enhance Ecological Sustainability in Architecture. (Unpublished master's thesis).
Harrer, A. (2010). Fan-shaped bracket sets and their application in religious timber architecture of Shanxi province. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania).
Jiang, M., Deng, W., & Lin, H. (2024). Sustainability through Biomimicry: A Comprehensive Review of Bionic Design Applications. Biomimetics, 9(9), 507.
Joffe, H. (2011). Thematic analysis. In Qualitative research methods in mental health and psychotherapy: A guide for students and practitioners (pp. 209-223).
Kelun, C. (2004). Chinese porcelain: Art, elegance, and appreciation. Long River Press.
Kumar, R., Rezapourian, M., Rahmani, R., Maurya, H. S., Kamboj, N., & Hussainova, I. (2024). Bioinspired and multifunctional tribological materials for sliding, erosive, machining, and energy-absorbing conditions: a review. Biomimetics, 9(4), 209.
Li, J., Shi, S., Luo, W., & Wang, Q. (2020). Study on Explosion-Resistance of Biomimetic Layered Honeycomb Structure. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2020, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5356145
Liyao, X. (2023). Analysis and Study of Porcelain Art in the Ming Jiajing Period. Frontiers in Art Research, 5(10), 90-96.
Mazzoleni, I. (2013). Architecture follows nature-biomimetic principles for innovative design. Crc Press.
Michaelson, C., & Portal, J. (2006). Chinese art in detail (Vol. 3). Harvard University Press.
Moore, S. (2018). Going for the Song. Apollo, 188(669), 58-64.
Motamedi, M., Warkiani, M. E., & Taylor, R. A. (2018). Transparent surfaces inspired by nature. Advanced Optical Materials, 6(14), 1800091.
Oranga, J., & Matere, A. (2023). Qualitative research: Essence, types and advantages. Open Access Library Journal, 10(12), 1-9.
Pagán, E. A., Salvatella, M. D. M. G., Pitarch, M. D., Muñoz, A. L., Toledo, M. D. M. M., Ruiz, J. M., ... & Puren, M. (2020). From silk to digital technologies: A gateway to new opportunities for creative industries, traditional crafts and designers. The SILKNOW case. Sustainability, 12(19), 8279.
Quanjin, G. A. O., & Simatrang, S. (2024). The Transformation of Chinese Traditional painting into Ceramic Art Based on Taoism. (Doctoral dissertation, Silpakorn University).
Smithsonian Institution. (2016). Chinese Ceramics: 13th-14th Century. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from Smithsonian Institution website: https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/chinese-ceramics-13th-14th-century-event-exhib-5533
Sun, X., Liu, X., Yang, X., & Song, B. (2021). Computer-aided three-dimensional ceramic product design. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 19(S3), 97-107.
Taylor, L. (2020). Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists. White Lion Publishing.
Udris-Borodavko, N., Oliinyk, V., Bozhko, T., Budnyk, A., & Hordiichuk, Y. (2023). Aesthetics and semiotics in 21st century visual communications: Pedagogical and sociocultural aspects. Research Journal in Advanced Humanities, 4(4), 22-40.
Vasenius, E., & Keskitalo, S. (2024). Designing and manufacturing the ceramic Mythology collection. Retrieved from https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/874793/Keskitalo_Vasenius.pdf
Wang, Y. H. (2006). Learning from the past, providing for our future: an exploration of traditional Paiwanese craft as inspiration for contemporary ceramics. (Doctoral dissertation, Swinburne).
Wu, W. T. (2021). Driven by Power: Four Case Studies of the Possession and Appropriation of Chinese Porcelain in 18th-Century Europe and China. (Doctoral dissertation).
Xu, Y., & Puntien, P. (2024). Ming Dynasty Blue And White Motifs And Their Influence On Contemporary Painting And Visual Arts. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 24(2), 86-100.
Yacubov, M. (2020). Nature Does it Better: Biomimicry in Structural and Architectural Design. (Unpublished master's thesis).
Yang, H. (2013). Decorative plasterwork of Guangzhou during the dynasty Qing (1644-1911). (Doctoral dissertation, Univerza v Novi Gorici, Fakulteta za podiplomski študij).
Zhang, B., Zhang, X., Qiu, Y., Han, J., Hu, P., Hong, C., ... & Hu, P. (2015). Enhanced thermal shock resistance of ultra-high temperature ceramic by biomimetic surface modification. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3(5), 2199-2206.
Zhou, L. (2024). The shape and function of ritual vessels and the thought of creation in the Qing dynasty. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 24(2), 16-28.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Herança

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

8.png)