Chinese Porcelain: The White Gold of the Orient

Chinese porcelain, called china in English, is one of Chinas greatest contributions to world civilization. For centuries, Chinese porcelain was prized across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The secret of porcelain production, finally discovered in Europe in the 18th century, transformed global trade.

The Origins

Porcelain was first produced in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). However, the high-fired, translucent porcelain we recognize today developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province became the center of porcelain production, a role it maintains today.

Types of Porcelain

Chinese porcelain includes several distinct types. Ding ware from the Song Dynasty is recognized by its translucent ivory glaze. Jun ware from Henan features copper-red glazes that shift to purple in reduction firing. Guan ware has distinctive crackled glazes. Dehua porcelain from Fujian is pure white and translucent.

Blue and White

The most famous Chinese porcelain style is blue and white, developed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Cobalt blue pigment from Persia was applied to white porcelain before glazing and firing. The style became immensely popular and was exported worldwide. European potters spent centuries trying to replicate it.

Export Porcelain

Chinese porcelain was a major export commodity. Kraak porcelain from the Ming Dynasty was exported to Southeast Asia and Europe. Chinese styles influenced Islamic ceramics in the Middle East. Dutch Delftware and English pottery directly copied Chinese designs.

Modern Chinese Ceramics

Jingdezhen remains Chinas ceramics capital, with museums, factories, and studios producing traditional and contemporary work. Contemporary Chinese ceramic artists experiment with form, color, and concept while maintaining connections to traditional techniques.