Chinese Blue and White Porcelain

Blue and white Chinese porcelain is one of the most long-lasting decorative items to date. The wares first appeared in the ninth century in Henan province, China and have since become an chief figure in interior decor worldwide.

Blue and white porcelain increased in popularity after their inception in the ninth century due to the refining of porcelain making skills and techniques and the growing Islamic trade. China imported all of the cobalt color used for the blue and white pieces from Persia, and the increased trade between the two countries led to increased production of the porcelain. During this time, the porcelain trade moved from Henan province to Jingdezhen, now known as the Porcelain capital of China.

The blue and white wares being produced at this time, however, did not look like how they look today. Instead the items had notable Islamic influences that included Persian and Arabic scripture and design motifs, most likely attributable to the active trade between the Middle East and China. Approaching the 17th century, however, the design motifs and overall appearance of the wares began to shift into what we would now recognize as ‘traditional’ Chinese blue and white porcelain. This shift occurred when the porcelain was made for export to the European markets. Exotic Chinese items were in high demand, thus the porcelain was now exclusively painted with traditional Chinese scenes and designs.

The porcelain became so popular in the European market that the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, a palace containing arguably the most valuable and exotic collection of antiques in the world, created a room called the Porcelain Cabinet. The room was decorated with the most valuable and rare blue and white Chinese porcelain objects, wares, and oriental antiques. The room still draws huge numbers of visitors annually as it is considered one of the most beautiful rooms in the world.

Still today, vases, decorative plates, and other wares are incredibly popular forms of the porcelain. They give a fresh touch to a home with their light, fresh colors. Blue and white Chinese porcelains have become a staple antique for any antique collector.

The Porcelain Room at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin

Charlottenburg Palace

Blue and white garlic neck bottle vase. Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen Period, circa 1640 for sale at Sotheby’s.

A modern spin on blue and white porcelain in a Sussex farmhouse.

A New York kitchen uniquely decorated with Chinese wares. Featured in Architectural Digest

Antique Chinese vases in my living room. Purchased by my mom in a New Orleans antique shop.

Sources and extra information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_and_white_porcelain

http://www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/ceramics-blue-and-white-porcelain.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlottenburg_Palace

http://arts.cultural-china.com/en/31Arts240.html

Pictures via Pinterest