Celadon Plate (B)

Chinese ceramics were widely admired and desired in the medieval world in general and the Islamic world in particular. The Chinese cared to export their ceramics throughout the world through land and sea. Dr. John Carswell describes the export of Chinese ceramics westward in his book “Blue and White Chinese Porcelain” (British Museum Press, 2007). Based on archaeological finds of large quantities in India, Iran, Turkey and some Near East countries (Syria included), it is clear that there was a large industry of Chinese ceramics designed specifically for international export. He explains this upsurge in commerce during the Islamic kingdoms as a result of the political union between the Near East and the Far East, particularly during the age of the Mongol Empire. Ceramic trade was occurring through the medieval maritime trade routes.

Muslim traders for Persia in particular were often moved and resided at Chinese ports and played a main role in the exporting of ceramic. Read more about this object on the UNESCO Museums for Intercultural Dialogue website.