famille jaune

Chinese pottery

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

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Famille jaune refers to a specific type of Chinese porcelain characterized by its rich yellow background and decoration. This style emerged during the Qing dynasty, particularly during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662–1722). The name famille jaune is French for "yellow family".123

This decorative palette is part of a broader group of famille wares, which also include famille verte (green family), famille noire (black family), and famille rose. While famille verte uses a distinctive green, famille jaune employs the same color palette but with a yellow ground, often obscuring the white porcelain beneath. The production of these wares involved intricate processes, with some pieces handled by numerous artisans to achieve a precise finish.12

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famille verte
…uses a yellow ground is famille jaune; the palette that uses a rich greenish black ground is famille noire. Famille verte ware was made largely during the Kangxi period (1661–1722) of the Qing dynasty.
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…uses a yellow ground is famille jaune; the palette that uses a rich greenish black ground is famille noire. Famille verte ware was made largely during the Kangxi period (1661–1722) of the Qing dynasty.
Read More