In English, my motherland is called “China”, which means porcelain. No doubt, it is because Chinese porcelain culture has exerted extensive and profound influence and been acknowledged in the world.   

Classification of Excavated Cultural Relics from "Nanhai 1" Merchantman by Archaeologists

For royal family and aristocrats in some countries, collection and utilization of exquisite chinaware is a symbol of their admiration for civilization, lofty pursuit and demonstration of national power. As a result, collection and exhibition of chinaware has become the common hobby in the higher society of each country.   

Some monarchs in Europe were so fascinated with Chinese blue-and-white porcelain that the color used in chinaware manufacture was strictly stipulated in the related laws. For example, an article of law in France in the 18th century demanded that the manufacturer be limited to specific chinaware. White porcelain or colored ceramic glaze must be painted blue in Chinese way, and any other color, especially golden color is prohibited. There is a collection of blue-and-white porcelain plates made in Song Dynasty in the National Museum of Turkey, and so in case of state guests’ visit, president will allow those plates in display of the reception hall as a way to bring his regards to the distinguished guests. 

  Underwater Exploration by Archaeologoists

Overview and Profile of "Nanhai 1" Merchantman

Besides deeply affected political civilization in some countries, chinaware had its own impact on economy and social life of varied countries. In the social life in the Philippines, the number of chinaware in possession is a benchmark of personal wealth, social status, fame and reputation. Chinaware also functions as an equivalent of gold and silver circulated in the market, or mortgage for loan or punishment in the court. 

On April 19, 1717, an anecdote in the world’s diplomatic history took place. An exchange agreement was made between AugustusⅡand his neighboring Prussian King that his own 600 valiant imperial generals was exchanged to 127 pieces of chinaware. Among this batch, there are 18 large vases of different shapes and various colors, all of which are called Guard Vase, still displayed in the Dresden Museum in Germany. This is a typical proof that chinaware is equivalent to a human life. 

Archaeologists are Tidying up Excavated Cultural Relics from "Nanhai 1" Marchantman

As a daily article and especially a dietary utensil, chinaware spread to Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Besides adding elegance to their life, chinaware advocate a polite table manner in ordinary catering and imperial banquet, and even change the living way of some nationalities and people. In Southeast Asia and West Asia, it was chinaware that brought the days they form food containers with leaves to an end and thus upgrade their cuisine culture.  

Chinaware Made in Song Dynasty Excavated from "Nanhai 1" Merchantman

In Europe, chinaware becomes necessary decoration popular in every household. In the Netherlands, for instance, chinaware will be decorated on the indoor fireplace or at the base of the containers, or exhibited in the glass cabinet with the fleet models. Particularly after the drinking tea became a fashion in UK and other countries, chinaware entered every ordinary household at every level or class in Europe. As an indispensable part of their material life, chinaware is visible everywhere. 

Baby Play Bowl in Blue-and-White Glaze

Chinaware occupies a special cultural position in the global life. In the Philippines, porcelain plates and jars are a must in various ceremonies. In the southern part, men and women dancers must wear porcelain bowls full of rice and other offerings while practicing religious dance. In that case, whoever failed to provide the imported chinaware will be despised. In Burma and the Philippines, people often bury fine chinaware underground and take them out only in the festival. In some places of Indonesia, chinaware is adopted as musical instrument. All above facts indicate that chinaware has widely enriched and extensively changed the spiritual life of this global village in an all-round way.