Blue and white Ware was produced in China as early as the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) but it was not until the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) that it reached perfection.  In the early 14th century, mass-production of fine, transparent, blue and white porcelain started at Jingdezhen, sometimes called the “porcelain capital of China." Blue and white ware became increasingly important in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties as its popularity spread through the international trade markets.

Symbolic meanings form an intrinsic part of Chinese culture and are readily understood by Chinese people.  The lotus flower is a symbol of purity because it rises out of the mud to bloom. It is the flower of the sixth month and summer. Lotus blossoms are often depicted as a throne for the Buddha, and the lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism.