Blue and White Porcelain is probably the most celebrated of all Ceramic Art styles ever produced -- or at least the continuing outrageous enthusiasm of auction buyers gives this impression. 

Known as "Qinghua" in China, the style was well developed by the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) but became world famous during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).  Even today, many people use the terms "Ming" "Blue and White" synonymously.  The decorative style became the standard for Imperial Porcelain production in China and was much revered throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle-East because of vast trade networks existing since ancient times.

The western affection for Blue and White Porcelain began in 1603 when the Dutch East India Company sent a single ship to Amsterdam with a load of the "Chinese White Gold." It was sold for a colossal profit and the rest of Europe soon caught on.  The affection for Blue and White Porcelain continues relentlessly today. 

The center of production of Underglaze Blue Ceramics in China was Jingdezhen in Jianxi Province.  It was here that ample raw materials (such as 2 mountains of white kaolin clay) were available.  Chinese potters developed the technique of painting blue cobalt oxide on white clay and spraying a coating of clear glaze over top.  When kiln fired at high temperature, the ceramic and its decoration can remain in mint condition for centuries even if buried under water or earth. 

Although imperial kilns in the Jingdezhen area were important, other locations such as Shantou (Swatow), Dehua and other parts of Fujian province also produced tradeware Porcelain that is found throughout Southeast Asia.

Temple Vase with Dragon 

CERAMIC ARTIFACT #bw-005608

DESCRIPTION:

The Blue and White temple vase is decorated with 3 dragons chasing flaming pearls (common Chinese motif) painted in deep cobalt blue on the main section.  Its 2 handles are both fish-shaped and highly unusual.  The neck has stiff plantain leaves bordered at the bottom by key fret pattern.  The bottom has lotus petal panels.  

ORIGIN:

The artifact was produced in China, probably in the city of Jingdezhen of Jiangxi province.  It was brought to Southeast Asia as a valuable trade-good probably by an ancient Spanish trading ship.  After many centuries, the piece was rediscovered by excavators and subsequently acquired by The Chalre Collection through a registered dealer. 

AGE:

Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).  Its mark indicates it was produced during the reign of Wanli (1573 - 1619).

MEASUREMENTS:

Height: 31.5cm (12.5in.)

Width or Depth: 16cm (6.25in.)

REFERENCES:

Similar or identical artifacts are found in various Ceramic Art publications.  Some of these include: Blue and White Wares Found in the Philippines, Chinese Ceramics, Chinese Blue and White Porcelain, Blue and White Chinese Porcelain and Zhangzhou Ware.  

Other similar or identical examples can be found in publications dealing specifically with ancient shipwrecks excavations.  Good examples are Lost At Sea: The Lena Shoal Junk and The Pearl Road: Tales of Treasure Ships.

Similar and/or identical items are also on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (UK), the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco (USA), the National Museum of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), the National Museum of the Philippines (Manila) and other museums throughout the world with diverse collections of Asian ceramics.