Petite Blue and White Bamboo Tea Cup

c. 1850

$68 SOLD

Dimensions

H: 1.75" Dia: 2.5"

Materials

Porcelain

Collection #

BJC031D

Estimated Shipping

$1

Tea connoisseurs often prefer thinly potted teacups like this one, because its flared mouth allowed the beverage to cool more quickly. This early 20th century teacup, designed and crafted by a Chinese artisan, is a perfect example of blue and white porcelains that were exported worldwide. These designs inspired countless, and often inferior, imitations throughout Asia and Europe. The blue cobalt oxide was actually introduced to China by Islamic merchants, but Chinese potters refined the glazing techniques.

Each handmade cup is slightly unique.

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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.