Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience.Learn more
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain - the Best-Known China

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain - the Best-Known China

Written byFercility JiangUpdated Aug. 23, 2021

Blue and white porcelain, orQinghua(/ching-hwaa/'blue flowers'), is the most widespread porcelain, and China's most famous china.

This underglaze ceramic, decorated with blue pigment, normally cobalt oxide, has been produced for over 1,000 years.

Blue and White Porcelain's Development

Chinese blue and white porcelain originated in the Tang and Song eras (609–1279), but its technology didn't mature until the Yuan era (1279–1368).

During the Ming era (1368–1644), blue and white porcelain became the mainstream porcelain, and then reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1661–1722) of the Qing Dynasty.

The Epitome of Blue and White Porcelain - Yuan Dynasty china

Yuan Dynasty china Yuan Dynasty china

The blue and white porcelain produced during the Yuan era was an excellent fusion of Chinese, Mongolian, Central Asian, and Persian civilizations.

The Yuan Dynasty was a special period for China and china. It was the first foreign-led dynasty in China. The fierce Mongolians not only captured an unprecedented territory, but also brought their ethnic culture, such as preference for the color white.

Islamic culture also had a far-reaching influence on the Mongolian empire, and blue was one of the favorite colors of Muslims, as it symbolizes "the treasure in the desert"- water.

Against this background, the Yuan Dynasty's porcelain industry shifted its focus to blue and white porcelain.

The Most Expensive Porcelain

2005年7月12日,一个特别稀有种社会lly-themed blue and white Yuan era jar was sold for £15.7 million at Christie's in London. It became the most expensive Asian work of art.

Influences of blue and white porcelain

Chinese blue and white porcelain Chinese blue and white porcelain.

Influence on China

Blue and white porcelainbroadened Chinese people's horizons, as the various themes included images from different cultures.

In turn, blue and white porcelain alsoinfluenced Chinese aesthetics, with popular blue and white porcelain elements being applied to many products.

For example, in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, a series of blue and whiteporcelain design uniformswere chosen for the medal ceremonies.

Influence on Other Countries

Turkish porcelain Turkish porcelain

中国和伊斯兰风格的共存from the 14th century, blue and white porcelain was popular in the Middle-East. This kind of ceramics was imitated and reproduced in the Ottoman Empire.

In Europe, thousands of miles from China, elegant, tough, and beautiful porcelain was considered a symbol of wealth. Porcelain was even used in palace decoration in Spain.

Discover More of Porcelain in China

The Palace Museum: It has lots of imperial porcelain housed within.

Shanghai Museum: The museum has over 120,000 precious historical relics, including Chinese ceramics.

Guanfu MuseuminBeijingis one of the best private museums in China. The porcelain halls hold many precious antique Chinese porcelain works.

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors.Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience,more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on