PLATE

This Chinese porcelain, with Mohammedan Blue underglaze, was found in Halmahera, the Maluku islands. Its particular shade of blue is called cobalt blue and came to China from Persia, via the Silk Road. The blue has magnificent shadings, but is not really controllable. On parts of the plate, it seems to have been applied too thickly. Porcelain of this caliber has always been expensive, even in its native China. Yet, there are numerous specimen found throughout the archipelago, providing an indication that Indonesia, with its rich resources, has all along been an important trading hub.