Cobalt Blue
Cobalt Blue is China's most globally influential color. In the Yuan Dynasty, Persian cobalt met Jingdezhen porcelain clay, creating stunning blue-and-white ware that spread along the Maritime Silk Road. A Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white jar sold for ¥230 million in 2005.
Using cobalt oxide as colorant, painted on porcelain body then covered with transparent glaze and fired at high temperature. Cobalt initially came from Persia.
Cobalt Blue symbolizes elegance, nobility, and eternity. The blue-white contrast represents yin-yang harmony.
Cobalt for blue-and-white porcelain initially came from Persia via the Silk Road. Prototypes appeared in the Tang Dynasty, matured in the Yuan, and peaked in Ming Dynasty Jingdezhen.
Blue-and-white porcelain uses cobalt oxide as colorant, painted on the body, covered with transparent glaze, and fired at 1280-1320°C. Persian cobalt with high iron content created unique metallic spots in Yuan Dynasty pieces.
Yuan Blue-and-White "Ghost Valley" Jar
元Sold for ¥230 million in 2005, a Chinese art auction record.
Yongle Blue-and-White Cup
明Palace Museum collection with typical imported-cobalt characteristics.
Blue-and-white patterns are widely used in high fashion, home textiles, tableware, and creative products. Dior and Hermès have released collections inspired by it.
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