Blue and white porcelain

Blue and white porcelain has a rich history that sees much cultural exchange. Blue and white porcelain proper began in the 13th century in Jingdezhen. Originally not to traditional court taste, the blue and white ware was primarily intended for export to the Middle East where the use of precious metal tableware was discouraged by Islamic doctrine thus generating a market for fine ceramics. Islamic trade was also necessary for the acquisition of the cobalt blue from Persia that was necessary for the colouring of blue and white ware, the cobalt had a value of twice that of gold. The association with the Middle East is evident in the Islamic motifs exhibited on many examples of blue and white production. Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain reached its height of technical proficiency dragon the reign of the Kangxi emperor of the Qing dynasty.