Blanc de Chine porcelain, with its serene white to cream hues and minimalist design, not only illuminates our homes but also brings a sense of tranquility and timeless elegance. This type of porcelain, which originated in China's Fujian province, has been a symbol of sophistication and adaptability, seamlessly fitting into both classic and contemporary interiors. An 18th-century Blanc de Chine lamp, with its simple "sleeve vase" shape and creamy glaze, exemplifies the understated style that has made these antiques highly sought after by collectors and decorators alike.
Blanc de Chine, a term coined by the French meaning "White from China," refers to the highly translucent porcelain produced in the Dehua kilns in Fujian province. This region, with over 180 kiln sites identified, has a rich ceramic history stretching from the Song dynasty (960-1279) to the present day. The porcelain's distinctive white color is attributed to the low iron content (less than 0.5 percent ferric oxide) in the local clay, which is rich in quartz, kaolin, sericite, and feldspar.
The first Blanc de Chine pieces were devotional objects, including incense burners, candlesticks, flower vases, and religious figures. These items not only adhered to the Ming dynasty's official standards in their pure whiteness but also in their emulation of archaic ritual objects. The porcelain is particularly renowned for its fine figures of the Buddha and Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, who is deeply venerated in Fujian. In Chinese culture, white symbolizes filial piety, further enhancing the porcelain's cultural significance.
When Blanc de Chine porcelain reached Europe in the 17th century, it sparked a fascination that led to its replication by prominent European factories like Meissen, Chelsea, and Bow. This style continued to influence European porcelain production well into the 18th and 19th centuries.
Determining the age of Blanc de Chine pieces can be challenging due to the absence of contemporary reign marks and the rarity of dated items. However, a combination of trading records, shipwreck discoveries, chemical analyses, and documented European collections has enabled experts to date these porcelains with reasonable accuracy.
The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co showcases a selection of Blanc de Chine antique lamps that embody the cool, elegant, and understated style that continues to captivate modern audiences. Specializing in antique lighting, the company offers a diverse range of over 100 unique, antique, and vintage table lamps, all wired and ready for use in the US, the UK, and Australia.
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