In November 2005, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a grand event in Beijing. As part of this special occasion, a beautiful set of commemorative porcelain was crafted by Jingdezhen Porcelain Co., Ltd.. Known as the "Prosperity Peony" porcelain, this elegant collection added a touch of Chinese tradition to the couple’s diamond wedding anniversary banquet. In this blog, we’ll explore the story behind this unique porcelain set and highlight the artistry of Jingdezhen porcelain, which continues to inspire collectors and art lovers around the world.
The Special Request for Bush's Diamond Wedding Porcelain
In July 2004, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) sent Vice President Li Xiaolin to Jingdezhen with a unique mission: to find the perfect porcelain manufacturer to design and produce a set of porcelain for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara’s 60th wedding anniversary celebration. The porcelain was to be used at their diamond wedding banquet on January 6, 2005, and also serve as a commemorative gift for guests.
After visiting Jingdezhen Porcelain Co., Ltd., Li Xiaolin was impressed with the company’s expertise and craftsmanship, which had already produced porcelain for prestigious events such as the APEC summit. She selected them to create the exclusive porcelain for the Bush couple’s milestone event.
Designing the "Prosperity Peony" Wedding Porcelain
Designing porcelain for such a special event required careful planning and creativity. The task was given to the Jingdezhen Porcelain Technical Innovation Center, with talented designers like Hong Lei leading the project. Within just a month, the team developed several design drafts for approval, working closely with the Bush family to ensure every detail met their expectations.
The chosen design, titled "Happiness, Fortune, Longevity", was simple yet elegant. The collection featured a 10-inch flat plate, a 9-inch soup plate, and an 8-inch flat plate. Each plate had a delicate blue-and-white daisy pattern in the center, surrounded by smaller daisies and finished with a clean, geometric border. The reverse sides of the plates displayed gold-embossed Chinese characters for “happiness” (喜), “fortune” (福), and “longevity” (寿), along with the Bush couple’s names and the anniversary date in both Chinese and English. This thoughtful combination of traditional Chinese motifs and personalized details made the porcelain both meaningful and unique.
At JDZPorcelain.com, you can find products that carry the same level of attention to detail and cultural symbolism. The "Imperial Peony Dinnerware Set", for example, blends traditional floral motifs with modern elegance, making it a perfect gift or addition to any collection.
Crafting a Memorable Wedding Gift
The process of creating this porcelain set was rigorous. The Jingdezhen Porcelain Co., Ltd. design team used a combination of isostatic pressing technology and hand-crafted techniques to ensure the plates were uniform and flawless. For the unique gold detailing, the team employed high-temperature gold-embossing techniques, ensuring that the gold patterns were both durable and safe for use.
The final set of 300 porcelain pieces was completed within three months and delivered to the Bush family in the U.S. through FedEx, ensuring the precious cargo arrived safely and on time. The porcelain set was met with high praise from both the Bush family and their guests.
A Touch of China at the Diamond Wedding Banquet
The "Happiness, Fortune, Longevity" wedding porcelain was first unveiled on November 15, 2005, during a banquet at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, where the Bush couple hosted their celebration. Both George and Barbara Bush were delighted with the beautiful porcelain and the care that had gone into its creation. They even brought two sets of the commemorative porcelain with them from the U.S. to personally gift to the representatives from Jingdezhen Porcelain Co., Ltd., as a token of their gratitude.
During their meeting with the Jingdezhen team, the Bush couple expressed how much the porcelain set had enhanced the joyful atmosphere of their wedding anniversary. The event also showcased the lasting relationship between Jingdezhen’s porcelain craftsmanship and international diplomacy.
Porcelain as a Symbol of Culture and Diplomacy
The story of the "Prosperity Peony" porcelain used at the Bush wedding banquet is a testament to Jingdezhen’s ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The porcelain wasn’t just a beautiful gift—it was a representation of China’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of the connection between the U.S. and China.
For collectors, owning a piece of Jingdezhen porcelain is not just about having a beautiful object—it's about possessing a part of history. At JDZPorcelain.com, we offer a wide range of traditional and modern porcelain pieces, all crafted with the same dedication to quality and artistry that made the Bush wedding porcelain so special.
FAQs About Jingdezhen Porcelain
What is special about Jingdezhen porcelain?
Jingdezhen porcelain is known for its high-quality materials, intricate designs, and rich history. For over a thousand years, it has been regarded as some of the finest porcelain in the world, blending traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Can I buy porcelain similar to the Bush wedding set?
Yes, at JDZPorcelain.com, we offer a variety of porcelain sets that reflect the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as the Bush wedding porcelain. Look for our "Peony Collection" for similar designs.
How do I care for my Jingdezhen porcelain?
To keep your porcelain in top condition, hand wash it with mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive materials or exposing the porcelain to extreme temperatures.
Why is Jingdezhen porcelain collectible?
Jingdezhen porcelain is considered a collector’s item due to its artistic value, cultural significance, and long history. Limited-edition pieces or those created for special events, like the Bush wedding set, often increase in value over time.
Conclusion: Jingdezhen Porcelain – A Tradition of Elegance
The story of the "Prosperity Peony" porcelain crafted for George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush’s diamond wedding highlights the artistry and skill of Jingdezhen porcelain makers. Combining traditional Chinese symbolism with modern craftsmanship, this porcelain set left a lasting impression on the Bush family and their guests.
At JDZPorcelain.com, we continue to uphold this tradition by offering beautiful, high-quality porcelain that reflects the rich heritage of Jingdezhen. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or a collectible piece, our collections offer something for everyone. Explore our range today and bring a touch of Chinese elegance into your home.
