Blanc De Chine
The Great Porcelain of Dehua
By: Robert H. Blumenfield

Beginning in the mid-thirteenth century, the kilns of Dehua, capital of the Fujian Province in southeast China, began producing brilliant white porcelain pieces, the likes of which had never been seen before.

These pieces were originally crafted with only domestic markets in mind, for use as cooking and serving ware, or for decoration or religious purposes. But as Chinese artifacts made their way around the world, overland on the Silk Route and in the hull of the occasional trading vessel, a significant market for these porcelains blossomed in Europe, where they were prized for their refinement of form and finish.

A quite modern book in English, published in 2002, this is an alternative for anyone who just want one book on this ware. I personally don’t think it is enough with just one book if you collect anything, with Blanc-de-chine as no exception, being an exceptionally difficult subject, but this is a good addition anyway.

The author is personally a knowledgeable collector of Blanc de Chine. The pictures are great and the book contains the history, development of the ware, early manufacturing and trade as well as details the differences between true Blanc-de-Chine and other, less distinguished white wares.

In the book, he provides a rich historical account of the evolution of the form, and the character and technical mastery that distinguish its finest pieces.

Today, blanc de Chine are some of the most sought after collectibles in the world of Chinese art, their aesthetic appeal lying in their stark shapes and color, and their impossibly delicate, glass like glaze. The photos are good and the author share important research findings obtained from private collections and other blanc de Chine resources around the world.

For the beginner collector, Blumenfield details the differences between true blanc de Chine and other, less distinguished white wares. For the Asian art enthusiast, he provides a rich historical account of the evolution of the form, and the character and technical mastery that distinguish its finest pieces.

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Ten Speed Press (February 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1580082939
ISBN-13: 978-1580082938