On January 29, China celebrates its most significant holiday, the New Year. In the series “Exhibit in Focus” at the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv, we have the amazing opportunity to explore the beauty of “white gold” found in the collection of treasured Chinese vases in the museum fund. The art of making Chinese porcelain dates back to the 7th century. Creating a mixture of clay, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar is considered as one of the world`s most exquisite and valued arts. This combination produces a fine yet durable material that achieves both hardness and transparency. The vases made from porcelain are artistic creations that embody the rich cultural symbolism, technical precision, and elegance inherent in Chinese tradition.

The shape, type of painting, themes of these vases are not merely decorative; they also possess significant symbolic meanings. The elements depicted on the vase are meant to bring good wishes, strength, luck, happiness, and prosperity to its owner. The paintings often showcase love scenes, abundance, harmony, and health, and the intricate designs are frequently inspired by nature. They include depictions of flowers, birds, dragons, and other traditional motifs from Chinese culture. The process of making these vases requires great skill and patience, which is why hand-painted Chinese porcelain vases are high-priced.

In Chinese, the word “vase” is pronounced similarly as “peace”. Therefore, these utensils are symbols of peace and harmony, both at home and across cultures. The interior vase serves as a utensil that holds the “soul” of the home. These vases, which are wide at the base and tapered at the top, are thought to create a reservoir for storing positive energy. They are often filled with coins, natural stones, and other objects, symbolizing family well-being.

The characteristic of the shape is the absence of sharp angles. Over the years, it has evolved in response to changes in fashion, style, and practical use in interior design and architecture. Throughout the centuries, Chinese artisans have refined this craftsmanship, with significant advancements made during the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties.
Following the overthrow of the last imperial dynasty, the Qing dynasty, and the establishment of the Republic of China, part of the national aristocracy was advised to start investing in the development of ceramic production. This brought new ideas that involved not only Chinese masters but also specialists from Japan. As a result, new technological and artistic techniques were introduced, leading to improved quality of porcelain.

Many Chinese vases date back centuries and some were made specifically for the imperial court or dignitaries, making them extremely rare and valuable, which increases their collectible worth.Around the year 1300, due to the expeditions of the explorer Marco Polo, the first porcelain vessels were imported into Europe. These porcelain pieces quickly gained popularity due to their fine, lightweight material and exquisite decoration. From the 16th century onward, imports surged, reaching millions of elegant homes in Europe and America. Chinese porcelain was highly valued, and by the 18th century, it commanded astonishing prices, earning the nickname “white gold”. This elegant material became a symbol of luxury and a sought-after investment among the aristocracy.

The technique for creating the material and its exact composition are kept secret. The precise recipe has been passed down for centuries in China. It was discovered in the early 18th century after 14 years of meticulous research by a Jesuit priest named Father d’Antrecol, who later introduced it to France.The standout piece in this collection is a vase with a rare shape known as Kong (square). It is one of the oldest forms of this art. Such vases have been discovered in archaeological finds within tombs, often positioned around the bodies of the deceased. In the 18th century, this form was revived and gained significant popularity in the following century.