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Why was cobalt used in Ming blue-and-white porcelain often imported from the Middle East?

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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*.

The cobalt pigment used in Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelain, often referred to as Mohammedan blue (huihui qing), was imported from the Kashān district of Persia because it was a specific, high-quality material essential for achieving the desired aesthetic of the era.1

While native cobalt sources existed, the quality of blue-painted wares remained largely dependent on this imported pigment until the end of the 16th century, when methods for refining native cobalt were finally developed. Because these supplies from the Middle East were not always consistently available and were subject to trade interruptions, the availability of the pigment directly influenced the production and quality of these ceramics. The use of this imported cobalt was a defining characteristic of the period, as it allowed potters to achieve the deep, vibrant blue tones that became a hallmark of Ming blue-and-white ware.12