The Iconic Blue and White Ceramics of Jingdezhen

Here at Shimu our ceramics collection features a selection of beautiful blue and white items for your home. Our range of blue and white Chinese porcelain includes classic ginger jars, temple jars, ceramic stools and more. From vase lamp bases, perfect for adding a point of interest, to delicate vases decorated in traditional floral designs, you’ll find that our selection is as varied as these beautiful objects themselves.

A little bit of history

Originating during the Tang dynasty (618-907), Chinese blue and white vases gained prominence in the Yuan (1271-1368) dynasty, with their popularity soaring in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. This era saw the introduction of cobalt blue, imported from Persia, which gave the ceramics their distinctive deep blue hue. The blue and white is achieved by using these cobalt blue pigments, under a translucent glaze, fired at high temperatures. This technique allows for a striking contrast that accentuates the detailed designs.

For at least a thousand years the city of Jingdezhen in China's Jiangxi province has been considered the centre of porcelain, and to this day the ateliers and workshops of the city still produce much of the world's finest porcelain. The city has the advantage of being close to large deposits of putentse or 'pottery stone', as well as being located close to both expansive pine forests that provided the fuel for kilns and to rivers that allowed easy transportation of fragile goods. By the Ming dynasty the kilns in Jingdezhen were controlled by the emperor, producing 'imperial porcelain' in large quantities for the court. Blue and white porcelain became increasingly popular from its initial development in the 14th century, with huge quantities produced both for the internal market and for export along with other designs such as "famille rose".

The Silk Road was instrumental in the spread of blue and white ceramics beyond China's borders. As traders and explorers travelled, they carried these beautiful creations across Asia and eventually to Europe and the Middle East. This exchange not only popularised Chinese ceramics worldwide but also led to a fusion of artistic techniques and styles, 

Motifs and meaning 

Perhaps the most iconic of all Chinese ceramics, blue and white vases are available in a huge range of patterns, with the motifs usally culturally significant. Fish, often koi, symbolise abundance and good fortune, and are depicted amidst aquatic flora. Floral patterns, including the revered lotus and peony, are common, representing purity, beauty, and seasonal cycles. Rural scenes are another popular theme, capturing the essence of Chinese pastoral life and landscapes. These scenes often include mountains, rivers, and structures, intertwined with elements of folklore and daily life, reflecting Chinese culture’s deep appreciation of nature and rural tranquillity. Dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures were common, symbolising power and good fortune.

Chinese vase markings, usually found on the base, help identify the provenance and period of an antique vase. These markings, typically in Chinese characters, can denote the dynasty and the reign during which the vase was crafted. For instance, a mark reading "Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi" translates to "Made during the Qianlong Reign of the Great Qing Dynasty".

Such markings are not just identifying marks; they also represent the creative heritage and artistic development of Chinese ceramics. Authentic marks are usually symmetrical, with a finesse that reflects the skill of the artisans of the time.

Even shapes have significance

The diverse shapes of Chinese vases reflect the evolution of Chinese ceramics in general and the cultural significance attributed to each form. The baluster vase, with its voluptuous body and narrow neck, is a classic shape, often used in pairs to symbolise unity. 

The meiping vase, originally designed for holding plum wine, features a sleek, tall body with a narrow base, ideal for showcasing the elegance of a single branch of blossoms. The gourd-shaped vase, inspired by the natural form of a gourd, consists of a spherical lower body and a tapered upper section, symbolising fertility and abundance.

The yuhuchunping, or pear-shaped vase, with its graceful, rounded body tapering to a slender neck, was favoured for its aesthetic balance and simplicity. Each shape, whether created for practical use or purely for aesthetic appreciation, embodies the artistic sensibilities and philosophical concepts of the period in which it was crafted.

Discover our range of beautiful blue and white Ginger Jars 

With their characteristically high shoulders, rounded shape and ornate painted designs, Chinese ginger jars are instantly recognisable. However, these iconic decorative pieces aren’t known as ‘ginger jars’ in China, where they are instead used to store dried herbs, spices and salt. From their origins in the days of the Qin Dynasty, ginger jars earned their name many centuries later when they were used to store and transport ginger for export to the Western world.

As the home of beautiful Chinese and oriental furniture, accessories and homewares, here at Shimu we offer a range of lovely blue and white Chinese vases for your home. Our collection includes something for all interiors, including imposing Zhu Fu vases and delicate bud vases, along with blue and white painted ceramic vase lamp bases.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect Chinese vase, why not browse our collections of furniture and accessories? With a wealth of superb quality options available through our online shop and at our showroom in Greengates, we have everything from original antique furniture pieces, to handmade ceramics, textiles, wall art and much more.