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How did Yuan dynasty potters develop blue-and-white porcelain?

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Chinese sculpture during the Han dynasty examined — Chinese art A discussion of Chinese art, from the documentary *China: West Meets East at the Metropolitan Museum of Art*.

During the Yuan dynasty, potters at Jingdezhen revolutionized ceramic production by combining their expertise in white porcelain with the use of cobalt blue pigment.12

While the use of underglaze blue had historical precedents in the Middle East and occasional use in earlier Chinese periods, it was during the Yuan dynasty that the technique saw a rapid rise in popularity. Potters applied this imported cobalt pigment as an underglaze decoration on fine white porcelains, such as the shufu type. This innovation was influenced by Islamic decorative tastes, resulting in blue-and-white wares that featured bold, ornate motifs like lotus flowers, vines, and dragons.12

By 1351, as evidenced by a famous pair of temple vases, the technique had been fully mastered. These wares became highly sought after both domestically and internationally, marking a significant departure from previous ceramic traditions and setting the stage for the global influence of Chinese porcelain manufacture.12