Blanc de Chine

Blanc de Chine is French for "Chinese White" and is the traditional European term for a certain type of white porcelain made in Fujian province at Dehua. In the early 18th century large quantites began arriving in Europe and was unrivalled in its colour and quality.

Using a fusion of glaze and body, "ivory white" and "milk white" porcelain were made in China for many centuries. Dehua porcelain has very low levels of iron oxide allowing it to be fired in an oxidising environment and produce the white colour which is instantly recognisable.