Blue and White

Chinese blue and white porcelain has made a unique contribution to the history of ceramic technology. Throughout its development from the beginning of the 14th century, through its technical originality and artistic brilliance, it has continued to captivate and inspire the entire world. This richly illustrated book traces the history and evolution of blue and white in China, first during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), when the Mongols ruled all of Asia, creating an environment in which blue and white could travel swiftly as far as the Mediterranean. In the 15th century the Chinese became enamoured of their own product, while at the same time the Ming potters were susceptible to ideas from the Islamic world, and commercial and aesthetic pressures during the colonial period of European expansion. From the 16th century onwards, passion for collecting became a major influence on the concept of chinoiserie.