One of the 73 pieces of precious blue and white porcelain from 25 museums and collecting institutions is on display. [Photo by Fan Junmei/China.org.cn]

By Fan Junmei
China.org.cn staff reporter

An exhibition of the Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain opened in the Capital Museum on March 20. 73 pieces of precious blue and white porcelain from 25 museums and collecting institutions will be on display.

Jointly hosted by the Beijing Cultural Relics Bureau, the Capital Museum, and the Beijing Art Museum, the exhibition is also being supported by many local museums. It is structured in three parts:

"Brilliant Work – the Influence of the Hans: Continuity in Traditional Aesthetics of Central China"; "Influences from Foreign Lands: Exotic Flavors in Blue and White Porcelain"; "Fresh Wind from the Northern Desert: Reflections of the Nomadic Culture".

The simplicity and elegance of the Yuan Dynasty (1271--1368) blue and white porcelain attracted many visitors. For centuries, Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain made a unique contribution to the history of ceramic production.

The porcelain displayed in the Capital Museum covers a wide range of subjects: social customs, landscapes, animals, plants, legendary tales, and abstract designs. The best blue and white porcelain was made in the "porcelain capital" -- Jingdezhen in China's Jiangxi Province. The glaze of blue and white porcelain is transparent and the blue designs on a white body make it appear elegant, fresh and full of vigor.

Shortly after the morning's opening ceremony, an academic forum was held in the afternoon with the aim of promoting the culture of Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain and strengthening communication and exchanges among researchers and museums. It is noteworthy that the National Museum of Iran has also presented its rare collection to the visitors.

After three months in the Capital Museum, the exhibition will go on a nationwide tour.