Plates may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about China, but they definitely are a significant mark of their cultural history. It’s a known fact that porcelain dinnerware and vases made by the skillful hands of Chinese craftsmen are among the most expensive decorative elements you can buy for your home and also, among the most precious auction pieces collectors fight over. So, what makes these pieces so valuable and so desirable by interior-design obsessed women over the world and collectors who give insane amounts just to have them in their armors of valuables?
In the first place, it’s the history these pieces carry with them. Among the most common elements on auction shelves and stores are Chinese plates. Because they’re so unusual and decorated so perfectly and creatively, these plates are mainly used for decoration instead for any eating purpose. And it is quite understandable, actually. However, what makes them so special is the fact that they’ve managed to survive for so many years not just as antiques, but also as a tradition and a cultural mark of one very rich and progressive nation.
- It all begins with porcelain, which originated in China somewhere in 1600-1046 BC during the time of the Shang Dynasty. Throughout the years, perfectly designed and quality material pieces were exported in the Islamic corners of the world.
- The phase that placed Chinese porcelain on the world stage is the rule of the Song Dynasty, when emperors established factories whose main goal was to produce porcelain for the royal family, since at that time, Chinese plates and other dinnerware were extremely expensive and considered a luxury for the highest level of society.
- During the rule of the famous Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the easily recognizable blue-white pattern that people mainly associate with fine china along with the decorative painting over glaze technique, become widely known and asked for.
- Finally, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Europe became the export destination for Chinese porcelain products. Along with the enormous demand for all types of pots, cups and saucers, Europe embraced the tea drinking techniques coming from the Far East. Of course, all that had a market trade motive: every drink needs a special cup for drinking, which means a greater demand for Chinese products.
When it comes to choosing some of these valuable pieces, it all comes down to your taste preferences and decorative needs. The most popular ones are those with the blue and white colour pattern – the classic Chinese dinnerware. Now, since these plates and vases and other pieces became so popular in Europe and the rest of the world, people started replicating them or producing something similar.
France became the leading competitor to China with their soft-paste porcelain which doesn’t have kaolin in it like Chinese porcelain does. Germany produces hard-paste porcelain and they mainly put the accent on producing figurines. England leads in pottery made from bone china.
Thanks to all these facts, you can now know which product is of the best quality when you choose yours. As for collectors, the offer of antique and vintage china is so wide you can choose according to your budget and collection needs. Make a wise investment.
