Vietnamese Underglaze Blue Ware

Vietnamese white porcelain ware with underglaze blue decoration was produced under the influence of Chinese underglaze blue ware. During the Le dynasty (1428-1789), ceramic wares influenced by Ming Chinese wares from the Jingdezhen kiln were produced. They were exported to Japan and were popularly known as "Annamese ware" or "Annamese underglaze blue ware".

Unlike Chinese underglaze blue ware, which is characterized by a beautiful contrast of blue and white colors and a sharp design sensitivity, Vietnamese underglaze blue ware, with designs painted on a white slip which covered the gray-colored semi-porcelaneous body, gives a simpler and warmer impression. Some of them are decorated with charmingly lively paintings of animals or plants.

This exhibition also includes two Jingdezhen examples, Large dish with lotus flower bunch design and Jar with eight auspicious emblems, to give us the chance to compare the color of cobalt blue and the clay texture with those of Vietnamese wares, deepening our understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese underglaze blue ware.