The Chinese term "青花" (qīnghuā), directly translated as "blue flowers," refers specifically to blue and white porcelain. This decoration appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but it was not until during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) that it came into widespread use.
The "青" (qīng) in "青花" signifies a range of colors from blue to green, but in the context of qinghua, it specifically refers to the cobalt blue pigment used in the decoration of porcelains. The "花" (huā) means "flower," but here its generic meaning is patterns or decorations. Therefore, while the literal translation might suggest a broader palette (blue-green), the term specifically denotes the blue and white porcelain and the use of cobalt blue underglaze to create motifs of various subjects, including but not limited to flowers, landscapes, dragons, and phoenixes.
The cobalt blue pigment was prized for its deep, rich blue tones, is said to have "come to China from Persia via Arab tradesmen" during the Yuan Dynasty that ruled China from 1271 to 1368. The source of which later varied greatly over time.
The unfired porcelain body is first decorated with cobalt after which is coated with a clear glaze, which, upon firing, creates a vibrant contrast between the white of the porcelain and the blue of the decoration.
See: Blue-and-white
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