Development of Blue and White Ceramics

Blue and white China porcelain has been the principal product of China's ceramic industry since the middle of the 14th century. Blue and white China porcelain is a truly utilitarian and highly decorative ware which provided years of elegant service for its early owners and ultimately enjoyed wide popularity among enthusiastic collectors around the world.

The technique of brush painting in cobalt blue under a transparent protective glaze has permanently recorded a whole range of Chinese design and decorative styles throughout the centuries.

This, together with the tranquility of its many shades of blue and its variety of mature elegant shapes and exquisite glazes, seem to have summed up the whole aesthetic achievement of the Chinese potter. It is understandable that Blue and white China porcelain has attracted universal interest and stimulated a high degree ofconnoisseurship among scholars and collectors.

Since most of the pieces were actually found in Southeast Asia, illustrates the extent of the export trade in porcelain and cultural exchange between China and countries in Southeast Asia over the six hundred year history of Blue and white China porcelain, covering the Yuan through Ming and Ch'ing dynasties.

Early Ming Dynasty Yung Low Blue and White Ewer Manufactured in the 15 Century

An ewer is vase shaped pitcher with a base and a flaring spout. This ewer is drawn with a floating 5 claw dragon surrounded with cloud motifs encased in a tear drop shaped border in blue and white design

Only the Imperial dragon has five claws, which identifies the porcelain piece is above the lesser classes. Anyone other than the emperor using the 5 claw dragon motif was put to death.