The Mongol Yuan Emperor was overthrown by Zhu Yuanzhang, who took back the whole of China and established the Ming dynasty in 1382. In terms of ceramic development, Ming dynasty was the golden age for porcelain ware, which established the reputation of China in the West.

Yuan dynasty Jingdezhen kilns in Jiangxi Province had already been established as the most important manufacturing centre of ceramics and by the time of Ming dynasty, Jindezhen kilns became the official kilns for producing official wares for the Ming Emperor. Since then, ceramics were no longer classified by regional kilns as much as in previous dynasties, because the Jingdezhen wares had come to dominate the whole ceramic market in both Ming and Qing dynasties. No matter whether in quantity or quality, Jingdezhen wares were far ahead of their contemporaries. Therefore, Ming wares are always assumed to be Jiandezhen wares, unless otherwise stated. The classification of Ming wares is based on their style and colour, such as: Red-and-white, blue-and white, Dragon-and-cloud motif, and overglaze enamels.

Significance:

This is a Blue and White porcelain bowl from the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). It is a fully glazed bowl with blue printed motif. It is depicted with the legend of Eight Mythical Figures in heaven, which are usually used as gifts for birthdays. A bowl with the depiction like this would represent good blessing for health and for long life. The base of this bowl has a Jiajing mark, which confirms the attributed era of Jiajing, Ming dynasty. The Blue and White porcelain ware was one of the most popular artefacts of Jingdezhen kilns for the foreign market in China Trade since the golden age of the Ming Dynasty.

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