Qing dynasty (1644-1912), Yongzheng period (1723-1735)
porcelain with robin’s-egg blue glaze
8 x 3.75 inches diam.
2005.80.27

Achieving a turquoise coloration was no easy feat prior to the Qing dynasty. The instability of the glaze materials led to only sparing use. However, under one of the Qing’s most famous kiln directors, Tang Ying, a turquoise glaze was perfected. The most important type of turquoise glaze is the robin’s-egg blue seen here. It is achieved by using copper and arsenic.

Kerr, pp. 88-89