BLANC DE CHINE

Designation for porcelain products (from the French “White from China”) from the workshops of Dehua (Fujian province). Large quantities of Dehua ware were exported to Japan and Europe, and the porcelain remains in production to this day. The history of Dehua porcelain production dates back to the Sung dynasty (960–1127), flourishing during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Dehua ware is distinctive for its white colour, which differs from the porcelain produced in the imperial workshops of Jingdezhen (Jiangxi province), and for its transparent glaze. Workshops primarily produced sculptures (Taoist and Buddhist figures). In addition to white porcelain, blue-and-white and other products were also manufactured in Dehua. Dating individual objects is difficult as the region’s repertoire changed little over the years. (JMl)