Why Vintage Chinese Ceramics Are All The Rage! | Bygone Times

Any homeowner or decor guru will know too well – if you’re flicking through interior design social media accounts or discovering curated vintage stalls at the moment, stunning Chinese ceramics are a common feature! From beautiful decorative tea sets to statement jars and elegant containers, timeless and stylish Chinese ceramics are enjoying a glorious revival, and they’re here to stay!

Bygone Times can certainly attest to the thriving popularity of Chinese ceramics, as we see beautiful pieces acquired on the daily by discerning Lancastrians and tourists. With iconic blue and white porcelain proving among the most popular of styles, what is it about the vintage Chinese ceramics that are so irresistible to antique and vintage collectors and decorations alike, generation-after-generation?

The History of Porcelain in China

Unsurprisingly, Chinese ceramics come from… you guessed, it, China! For thousands of years, Chinese artisans were undeniably the kings of pottery, producing beautiful ceramics hundreds of years before Europe could compete.

Pottery in China dates back to the neolithic period, but the boom in Chinese ceramics specifically took off during the Tang (618-907 AD) and Song (960-1279 AD) dynasties, where translucent products were create using kaolin clay.

The iconic blue and white porcelain, traditionally known as Qinghua, became a worldwide sensation during the dynasties of Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming (1368–1644).

Synonymous with Jingdezhen, the historical porcelain home of China, blue and white porcelain products were crafted using cobalt pigment imported from Persia to detail intricate flora, dragons and landscapes onto bright white clay.

European royalty and aristocrats became infatuated with Chinese porcelain by the 17th and 18th centuries, which created a luxury trade that has impacted global decor and interior design styles ever since.

Why are Chinese Ceramics so Popular?

With centuries-upon-centuries passed since the origin of Chinese porcelain, an enduring question remains – why are homeowners, interior stylists and collectors alike so obsessed with these pieces today?

Versatility of Chinese Ceramics

From traditional country cottages to sleek contemporary apartments and vibrant maximalist living areas, blue and white ceramics are a neutral in interior design, creating a charming, engaging and dazzling look, with history and character.

The Texture of Chinese Ceramics in Decor

Ideal for grouping together to create texture and height on mantelpieces, dining tables and sideboards, Chinese ceramics are beautiful centrepieces.

Sustainability & Long-Term Investment

Buying vintage ceramics are an eco-friendly (and all-round better) alternative to mass-product decor. Tending to retain or increase their value over time, Chinese ceramics are a decorative investment, as opposed to the largely disposable decor from the high-street.

Types of Chinese Ceramics to Look Out For at Bygone Times

Whilst blue and white are so often the winner, Chinese ceramics encompass a wide variety of colours, glazes and decorative styles. Perfect for making a stunning in Summer gardens, discover second-hand gems filled with character and history at Bygone Times, Lancashire’s leading antiques centre.

Blue & White (Qinghua)

An undisputed classic adorning the shelves of antique stores and high-end suppliers across the world, Qinghua is characterised by crisp cobalt blue motifs and imagery against a smooth white glaze. From sprawling lotus vines to peaceful rivers and menacing dragons, Qinghua ceramics are awash with symbolism and motifs representing luck and lasting-life.

Celadon (Greenware)

With an elegant and delicate jade-like green glaze, Celadon is among the oldest ceramic styles originating from China. A favourite for modern spaces with subtle, minimalist finishes, Celadon porcelain are vibrant solutions with a translucent profile.

Famille Rose & Famille Verte

Originating from the Qing Dynasty between 1644 and 1912, Famille Rose & Famille Verte are polychrome enamels that added vibrancy and colour to porcelain, characterised by their rich green hues with iron red and yellow, and soft opaque pinks, pastel greens and detail figural scenes respectively.

Types of Chinese Ceramic Products at Bygone Times

Architectural Vases & Storage Jars

• Ginger Jars & Temple Jars
• Classic Vase Forms
• Moon-flasks

Accent Furniture

• Ceramic Garden Stools
• Porcelain Table Lamps

Planters & Botanical Decor

• Large Planters
• Umbrella Stands

Tableware

• Traditional Tea Sets
• Trays
• Decorative Bowls