From Jingdezhen to Europe: The Enduring Appeal of Nanking Porcelain

Nanking porcelain is a distinctive form of Chinese export ware that emerged during the Qing dynasty. Crafted primarily in Jingdezhen and shipped through the port of Nanjing, these blue-and-white porcelains were designed to cater to Western tastes, reflecting a blend of Chinese artistry and international demand.

Craftsmanship and Artistic Expression

The artisans of Jingdezhen employed kaolin clay and cobalt blue underglaze to produce porcelains that were both delicate and durable. The designs, predominantly landscapes, pagodas, and floral motifs, were painted with remarkable precision, showcasing the artisans’ skill and attention to detail. One of the distinguishing features of Nanking porcelain is its intricate border patterns, often referred to as the “spear and post” design. This motif, sometimes accented with gold, adds a layer of sophistication to the pieces, setting them apart from other export porcelains like Canton ware, which typically featured simpler designs. 

Cultural Significance and Global Influence

Nanking porcelain played a pivotal role in cultural exchange between China and the West. During the 18th and 19th centuries, European demand for Chinese porcelain surged, leading to the export of vast quantities of Nanking ware. These pieces were not merely decorative; they symbolized status and sophistication in European households.

The Nanking Cargo, a significant archaeological find from 1752, underscores the global reach of Nanking porcelain. The Geldermalsen, a Dutch East India Company ship, sank off the coast of Indonesia, carrying a vast collection of Chinese porcelain intended for Europe. The recovery of this cargo in 1985 revealed over 150,000 pieces, many of which were Nanking porcelains, highlighting their widespread appeal and the extensive trade networks of the time.

Historical Legacy and Notable Collections

Nanking porcelain was at the height of popularity during the late 17th and 18th centuries, coinciding with the rise of the Dutch East India Company, or VOC. The VOC, established in 1602, controlled the maritime trade between Europe and Asia, facilitating the export of vast quantities of Chinese porcelain. Nanking ware traveled from Jingdezhen through the port of Nanjing, carefully packed and shipped across treacherous seas, often forming part of major trade consignments like the famous Nanking Cargo of 1752. This shipwreck, discovered in 1985 off the coast of Indonesia, contained over 150,000 pieces of porcelain, many bearing the distinctive Nanking designs. The find illustrates not only the popularity of these wares but also the immense logistical effort required to supply European markets.

Several museums and private collections hold exceptional examples of Nanking porcelain. The British Museum houses finely painted dishes and bowls, including pieces recovered from VOC shipwrecks. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam preserves Nanking plates that once belonged to Dutch traders, providing insight into the European appetite for Chinese artistry. In the United States, institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York display Nanking porcelain alongside other Chinese export wares, highlighting the intricate underglaze designs, floral motifs, and “spear and post” borders that made the porcelain so desirable. These collections allow historians and enthusiasts to trace patterns of trade, taste, and cross-cultural exchange over centuries.

The prominence of Nanking porcelain also reflects the VOC’s broader economic and cultural influence. By standardizing shipments and establishing extensive trade networks, the company created a pathway for Chinese ceramics to enter European homes, shaping tastes and sparking a fascination with Oriental art. The interplay between production in Jingdezhen, the port of Nanjing, and European demand exemplifies how commerce, craftsmanship, and culture converged to make Nanking porcelain a defining symbol of global trade during this era.

Final Note

Nanking porcelain is more than just fine china; it is a reflection of China’s artistic heritage, a symbol of cultural exchange, and a valuable collectible. Its enduring appeal lies in the harmony of design, craftsmanship, and historical significance, making it a cherished artifact for collectors and historians alike.