Basic Introduction to Dabu Blue and White Porcelain
Dabu in Guangdong Province is renowned as the hometown of Chinese blue and white porcelain, with its main production areas located in the towns of Gaopi, Guangde, and Taoyuan in southern Dabu. Pottery production in Dabu began during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, while porcelain production was established by the end of the Song Dynasty, flourished at the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This history spans over 800 years, with blue and white porcelain consistently being a traditional leading product, known for its fine white porcelain quality, bright blue color, and unique craftsmanship.
Dabu County is situated in the northeast of Guangdong Province, in the middle reaches of the Han River, between 24°01′ and 24°41′ north latitude and 116°18′ and 116°56′ east longitude. To the northeast, it borders Pinghe County and Yongding County in Fujian Province; to the southeast, it connects with Rao Ping County in Chaozhou City; to the west, it adjoins Meixian District and Meijiang District; and to the south, it neighbors Fengshun County and Chaoan District in Chaozhou City. Dabu County has a subtropical monsoon climate. Its mineral resources include metal ores such as iron, nickel, lead, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, tin, copper, and gold sand, as well as non-metallic minerals such as phosphorus, quartz crystal, feldspar, quartzite, porcelain clay, and purple clay. The county's reserves of porcelain clay are 420 million tons, and those of purple clay exceed 100 million tons. Dabu County is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain.” A strong industrial foundation, abundant porcelain clay resources, a long history, and a rich cultural heritage provide the greatest development advantages and potential for the ceramic industry in Dabu County.
Geographical Protection Scope
The origin area for Dabu Blue and White Porcelain encompasses the administrative regions of the towns of Gaopi, Guangde, Taoyuan, Huliaoa, Baihou, Fenglang, Dadao, Damazhen, Sanhe, Zhourei, Yinfeng, Chayang, Xihedao, Qingxidao, and Fengxilin in Dabu County, Guangdong Province.
Producers within the origin area of Dabu Blue and White Porcelain may apply to the Meizhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for permission to use the “Special Mark for Geographical Indication Products.” After review by the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau and approval by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ), an announcement will be made. The testing institution for Dabu Blue and White Porcelain will be designated by the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau from among qualified institutions.
Product Characteristics
(1) Sensory Features: Elegant and refined in appearance, with a clear and translucent glaze that is simple and natural. The blue and white patterns are hand-painted, with strong coloring properties, vibrant colors, and patterns that do not fade easily.
(2) Physical and Chemical Indicators: Water Absorption Rate: ≤0.45%, Thermal Shock Resistance: No cracking after one thermal exchange from 160°C to 20°C.
(3) Safety and Other Quality Technical Requirements: Product safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with national regulations.
Historical Folklore
Dabu County is one of the four major ceramic production areas in Guangdong Province, with a history of more than 800 years of ceramic production. Dabu blue and white porcelain and Gaopi ceramic products are exported to over 110 countries and regions, including Europe, America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, earning it the reputation as the “Porcelain Capital of the South.” Dabu County has established a ceramic industrial park, increased industrial services and policy support, accelerating the development of the ceramics industry. This ancient industry has been revitalized, making Dabu one of China's most promising underglaze blue and white porcelain production areas and one of the main production bases for Chinese blue and white porcelain. Dabu ceramics have a long history, exquisite craftsmanship, a wide range of varieties, and a deep cultural heritage. Among them, “Butterfly Flower Tea Set” was selected for exclusive use at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, while “Underglaze Blue and White Willow Pavilion Dinnerware” and “Underglaze Blue and White Sailing Ship Tea Set” were presented as state gifts to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Manufacturing Method
1. Process Flow
(1) Process Flow: Raw material selection → Natural weathering → Fine processing of body material → Shaping → Decorative painting → Glazing → Firing → Finished product → Inspection → Packaging → Dispatch.
(2) Process Requirements
Fine Processing of Body Material: Kaolin should be stored and weathered for over 180 days in a dedicated area. It is then crushed using specialized equipment, and kaolin, feldspar, and quartz (50~60:20~30:15~25) are precisely formulated according to different product types. The body material is placed in a cool, humid room and naturally aged for over 15 days before undergoing vacuum kneading to create the final body material.
Shaping: Hand shaping, sculpting, mechanical rolling, or slip casting are used for shaping.
Decorative Painting: Hand painting, decal application, and stamp printing are used for decorative painting.
Glazing: Immersion glazing, pouring glazing, or spray glazing methods are used to ensure a uniform thickness of the glaze layer. The glaze layer thickness is 0.8 to 1.1 millimeters.
Firing: Naked firing or glost firing once in a reducing flame at a temperature range of 1330°C to 1380°C is used.
Inspection: After passing inspection, the products are packaged and dispatched.
Awards and Honors for Dabu Blue and White Porcelain
In 2010, Dabu County was awarded the title of “Hometown of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain” by the China Ceramics Industry Association.
On December 28, 2016, the former General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for “Dabu Blue and White Porcelain.”