Blue Pigments Used in Chinese PorcelainAccording to Chinese sources the following blue pigments were in use in China: In all there were seven (7) different types of blue color pigments in use.
- Mineral pigments sourced in: Jiangxi (2), Zhejiang (1), Yunnan (1) - Chemical pigments: imported und used in the late Qing dynasty (19th century) Imported pigments The imported mineral pigments were assumedly sourced in the Middle East (with the possibility for another option open). Existing records are providing no reliable information about the actual sources. There are conflicting explanations regarding the actual sourceof Sumatran blue (蘇料). With Mohammedan blue (回青) it is known that it was imported from the Middle East. Generally said, the imported pigments were of a bright blue color, whereas local pigments were darker, sometimes more gray than blue. These pigments were also mixed, resulting in different color tones. Assumedly, the imported blue pigments were probably too expensive for the average kilns and probably only the official or some mainstream kilns could afford them. The others would use Chinese pigments, obtained from domestic sources.  Sumatran blueThe actual source of this pigment is not known for sure. Some old sources seem to mention the Middle East as source, whereas the source was given as 'Persia', possibly the mining area. Sumatra may just have been the transshipment area. Another explanation suspects possible origin in SE Asia (e.g. mined in Sumatra itself). Currently, there is not factual proof for either version, it seems. The only thing that seems to be clear is that this pigment was obtained in Sumatra, which at the time was a transshipment stop for wares to and from South Asia, the Middle East and other Southeast Asian countries. There is also the possibility that Sumatran blue was actually coming from several different sources to Sumatra, from where it then was sold to China. Sumatran blue pigments were not available to kilns anymore from or after the Xuande reign of the Ming dynasty. In Chinese Sumatran blue goes under the Chinese names of Sumali, Sunima, Suboni, Sunibo, or just Su-liao (meaning Su material). It is said that these names were all derived from the name 'Sumatra'. (Readings of the above Chinese names given in Pinyin.) Mohammedan blue Suspected origin is Arabia The other imported pigment, Mohammedan Blue, was sourced in the Middle East. The source (and possibly mining area) is given as Arabia, which is suspected to be in the area of today's Irak. From Blue Pigments to Home Page |