Blue and White Porcelain Seal

Mid-20th Century

$88

Make an Offer

Dimensions

W: 2.25" D: 2.25" H: 1.5"

Materials

Porcelain

Purchase Quantity

Collection #

CMRC035L

Estimated Shipping

$1

This small porcelain block recreates the personalized seals used to sign important documents throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Also known as a chop, such stamps were widely used by anyone who regularly signed formal documents, such as scholar-officials, merchants, and doctors. The final addition to any document or calligraphy painting, seal marks conveyed the scholar's authority and affirmed the document's authenticity. Seals were one of the many treasured accessories of the scholars' studio and many were carved from fine materials such as jade or jasper. This porcelain seal is etched with a seal mark on one end and glazed in the blue and white style with brushed calligraphy and a serene, shan shui landscape.

Questions? Ask us

Blue & White Porcelain

Soon after its development in the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD), blue-and-white underglaze porcelain became a favorite of the imperial court. Its broad appeal rapidly extended beyond China’s borders, becoming a lucrative export commodity highly sought after in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Using cobalt imported from Western Asia, ceramic artists ground the mineral into a vibrant blue pigment that was then painted directly on a porcelain base, coated with clear glaze, and fired. This underglaze technique brought with it a shift in focus from the overall shape of a vessel to the skill and artistry traceable in its painted decoration.

Transcending time and taste, blue-and-white porcelain continues to be appreciated around the world for the intricate brushwork and brilliant blue color.