The Measure of Faithfulness: The Chinese Models for Safavid Blue-and-White

Abstract

The replication of Chinese imports began in earnest during the reign of Shah Abbas I. While contemporary imports inspired many copies, potters showed renewed interest in the earliest porcelains, which they could access in private collections. The Safavid potters' infatuation with early Chinese blue-and-white was limited to Phase I, the first decades of the seventeenth century. Their fine copies of the Yuan and early Ming Chinese designs, particularly the magnificent renditions made by the Kirman boutique workshop, continued to inspire other Safavid potters throughout the century. The new style of Ming porcelain known as exerted by far the greatest influence on Safavid potters. Kraak porcelains were of the Wanli period (1573-1619) and were unquestionably the most influential of the Chinese wares ever to reach Iran. Safavid copies of Chinese porcelains from the Wanli period far outnumber those from the last two Ming reigns, Tianqi and Chongzhen.Keywords: Kraak; Chinese blue-and-white; Ming; Safavid potters; Wanli period; Yuan