Blanc de Chine: fabulous Dehua monochrome porcelain : the Becker collection

Abstract

This book contains the private collection of Blanc de Chine, monochrome porcelain from Dehua, collected by Ton and Mies Becker, both retired medical specialists and collectors of Asian Art. For many centuries the Chinese and Western elite adored the monochrome white porcelain wares made in Dehua, a district in the province of Fujian, bordering the south-easterly coast of China. The appeal being based on the combination of beautiful crafting and an aesthetic creamy glaze. It is this appeal which the authors experienced as an irresistible charm and the urge to start collecting this particular porcelain. A number of short essays has been included, not intended as an all-embracing academic account, but rather as introductory notes for those who develop an interest in collecting Blanc de Chine porcelain. These include considerations about the "whiteness" of Blanc de Chine, the manufacture and main design categories of Blanc de Chine and the export to Europe. The catalogue of the collection is organised according to the main design categories and consists of photographs of each object, highlighting details if desired, a brief description of each item and explanatory notes to provide information about particular items that may need additional clarification, as well as the date of acquisition and provenance.