In 2001, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was held in Shanghai for the first time, and great attention was given to every detail of the event. When the organizing committee initially considered importing Italian porcelain for the conference, former Vice President Zeng Qinghong, who was overseeing the event preparations, suggested that they look into Jingdezhen porcelain. Jingdezhen, known as the “Porcelain Capital of the World,” was the perfect candidate to showcase China’s cultural and artistic heritage at such an important global event.
A delegation led by the then Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, Zhou Muyao, traveled to Jingdezhen Porcelain Co., Ltd. to explore the possibilities of creating custom porcelain for the summit. The company, with its rich history and expertise, quickly formed a design and research team led by General Manager Wang Yao. Their goal was to craft a porcelain set that not only reflected Chinese culture but also matched the aesthetic and décor of the APEC meeting venue.
Choosing the Peony: Symbolism of Wealth and Prosperity
The peony, often referred to as China’s national flower, symbolizes wealth, honor, and prosperity. It was the perfect choice for a porcelain set that would be used by world leaders. The design team proposed using the peony as the main decorative element and presented several design options, including a version created by Jiangxi Province's master artist, Lai Dequan. One of the key designs featured gold-trimmed peonies, which embodied both elegance and grandeur.
However, the color scheme needed to align with the interior of the APEC meeting room, so after careful discussion, the final design chosen was the “Blue and Gold Peony” porcelain set. This design featured deep blue peonies adorned with delicate golden stars, creating a regal yet understated look that harmonized perfectly with the conference's decor.
The Unique Features of Blue and Gold Peony Porcelain
The Blue and Gold Peony porcelain stands out not only for its beauty but also for the cutting-edge techniques used in its creation. Here are some of the features that make this set truly remarkable:
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High-Quality White Porcelain: The porcelain is as smooth and pure as jade, with a brilliant white finish that provides the perfect backdrop for the detailed blue and gold designs.
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Elegant Blue Peony Motifs: The vibrant blue peonies are highlighted by small golden stars, with four blue spaces revealing the white porcelain underneath, creating a delicate balance between color and form.
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Gold Edging with In-Glaze Technology: For the first time in domestic porcelain production, the design team used in-glaze decoration combined with gold edging, ensuring that the gold trim would never fade or peel. This technique also made the porcelain lead-free, cadmium-free, and environmentally friendly, fulfilling modern safety standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
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Custom Historical Significance: Each piece of the set was carefully engraved with the inscription: “China Shanghai – 2001.10 – APEC – Jingdezhen China,” marking its special significance as the official tableware for world leaders at the 2001 APEC summit. This adds both historical and collectible value to the porcelain.
At the APEC summit, the Blue and Gold Peony porcelain was used during the formal dinner attended by the heads of state from 21 countries and regions. The delegates were informed that they were dining on porcelain crafted in Jingdezhen, reconnecting the global event to China’s long tradition of porcelain excellence.
Why Blue and Gold Peony Porcelain Became a Collector’s Dream
The Blue and Gold Peony porcelain collection represents the perfect fusion of cultural heritage and modern craftsmanship. Here’s why this set continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide:
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Artistic Design: The peony symbolizes prosperity and is a long-standing symbol in Chinese culture. Its pairing with rich blue tones and delicate gold stars creates a visually stunning and meaningful design.
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Craftsmanship: Jingdezhen’s reputation as the Porcelain Capital is reinforced by the advanced techniques used to create this set. The in-glaze technology ensures that the porcelain is durable, safe, and environmentally friendly, while still retaining a luxurious finish.
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Historical Significance: Porcelain produced for an event as prestigious as APEC holds both cultural and historical importance. Owning a piece of the Blue and Gold Peony set is like owning a piece of global history, as these were the very dishes used by world leaders.
On JDZPorcelain.com, you can explore a range of porcelain products that are inspired by this level of artistry and innovation. For example, the "Imperial Blue Lotus Dinnerware Set" features similar craftsmanship and elegance, combining traditional Chinese motifs with modern design elements.
FAQs About Jingdezhen Porcelain
What makes Jingdezhen porcelain special?
Jingdezhen porcelain is known for its refined quality, smooth texture, and innovative craftsmanship. It has been the global standard for high-end porcelain for over a thousand years.
Is Blue and Gold Peony porcelain safe for everyday use?
Yes, the in-glaze technology used in Blue and Gold Peony porcelain ensures that it is lead-free, cadmium-free, and durable, making it safe for everyday use.
Why was peony chosen for the APEC porcelain design?
The peony is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and beauty in Chinese culture, making it the perfect choice to represent China during an international event like APEC.
Where can I buy authentic Jingdezhen porcelain?
You can find a variety of authentic Jingdezhen porcelain products on JDZPorcelain.com, which offers everything from traditional vases to modern dinnerware sets.
Is Jingdezhen porcelain a good investment?
Yes, Jingdezhen porcelain is highly collectible due to its cultural significance, quality craftsmanship, and the historical value associated with specific collections like the Blue and Gold Peony porcelain.
Conclusion: The Legacy of APEC Porcelain
The creation of the Blue and Gold Peony porcelain set for the 2001 APEC summit was a defining moment for Jingdezhen’s porcelain industry, reaffirming its status as the global leader in high-end porcelain. This set, with its blend of tradition and innovation, showcased China’s cultural richness to the world, and its legacy continues to inspire collectors today.
At JDZPorcelain.com, we carry forward this tradition by offering porcelain pieces that reflect the artistry, quality, and history of Jingdezhen porcelain. Whether you’re looking for a decorative vase or an elegant dinnerware set, our products allow you to bring a piece of this timeless heritage into your home. Explore our collection today and experience the beauty of Jingdezhen porcelain for yourself.
