Which Chinese porcelain tradition from Dehua is internationally known as Blanc de Chine?

Dehua porcelain is the Chinese porcelain tradition internationally known as Blanc de Chine.

Dehua, in Fujian province, became famous for exceptionally white, smooth porcelain made from local kaolin-rich clay. European collectors later called this material Blanc de Chine, meaning “white from China.” Its clean surface and warm ivory-white appearance made it especially suitable for Buddhist figures, devotional statues, vessels, and export wares.

Dehua production expanded during the Ming dynasty and continued through the Qing period. Many figures depict Guanyin, the bodhisattva associated with compassion, while other objects include cups, brush rests, incense burners, and ceremonial pieces.

Dehua porcelain is distinct from Jingdezhen’s better-known blue-and-white imperial production. It is also not the same as celadon, whose defining feature is a green or blue-green glaze. The name Blanc de Chine describes the European market tradition, not a separate European material.