South China
19th century (late) – 20th century (early)
Inventory sheet
Representative of a 19th century collector’s taste, these pieces recreate, above all, figures from local folklore, legends and operas. Characteristic of these ceramics is the use of blue Jun glazes in contrast to the painted flesh, making the hands and faces more expressive.
Initially produced for the British and North American markets, they soon dominated European collecting. These pieces from the Fernando de Castro House-Museum can be seen in the Blue Room, which is the closest of all the rooms in the house to the idea of the Chinese Room, so common in the 19th century.