An Archaeological Study of Yuan Blue and White Porcelains Unearthed at Luomaqiao Kiln Site

The Period of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) is an important historic time for both the cultural and material exchange of China and West Asia and the ceramic industry of Jingdezhen. The period saw the peak of Jingdezhen's ceramic technology, making way for the birth and development of brilliant blue-and-white porcelains. From late 2012 through 2015, Dr. Yanjun Weng headed an excavation project at a Luomaqiao ancient kiln site, turning up a great number of ceramic remains and tons of porcelain shards dating from the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) through the Late Qing dynasty (1636-1911). Among them, and among the most valuable in terms of art and storytelling: Yuan blue-and-white porcelain.

With one hundred illustrations, this book introduces the Yuan blue-and-white porcelains found at the Luomaqiao site. With the application and analysis of statistical data and scientific tests on the unearthed wares, the book contributes a reliable and detailed database for further studies on the product structure, firing method, and decoration techniques of the porcelains. The book further explores the origin, material, manufacturing period, product structure, and markets of Yuan blue-and-white porcelains and the system of Yuan official kilns.