Blue and white, a classic color combination that has been used for centuries.

Blue and white decoration first became widely used in Chinese porcelain in the 14th century, after the cobalt pigment for the blue began to be imported from Persia. It used natural cobalt oxide as a pigment to draw patterns on the porcelain body, then a layer of transparent glaze was applied, finally it was fired at a high temperature of around 1300 ℃. After the cobalt material is fired, it turns blue. Popular subjects for the hand painted pottery were leaves, flowers, scenes of life.

Blue and white decorated pottery imported to Europe from China had become an important symbol of wealth in the late 17th century and by the mid 18th century thousands of tons of porcelain, much of it blue and white were being imported to Britain and other western countries. By the end of the 18th century, British companies such as Thomas Turner and Josiah Spode had caught on to the trend and were producing their own version of blue and white tableware, which was mostly transfer printed. Subjects were mainly Asian themes, with scenery and figures.

Blue and white has been a popular decorating scheme in the decades that followed the production of pottery, through using china collections, fabric prints and paint color. A modern twist would be to use the cobalt on cabinets or a sideboard. Here are some cobalt colors in different shades along with other colors that look great with them.

All colors are Benjamin Moore. Note: You can use the color’s name and number stats at other paint companies and they will mix it for you.

Champion Cobalt 2061-20

Marine Blue 2059-10, darker cobalt

Old Blue Jeans 839, lighter cobalt

Colors that go with cobalt blue:

Blue Angel 2058-70, pale blue

Pale Oak OC-20, greige for a warm contrast

Complementary to blue: orange colors

Adobe Dust 2175-40 terra cotta

Tudor Cream 2157-60, lovely very pale peach

Teacup Rose 2170-50, girly coral

Contact me for help with your interior or exterior paint colors. Use the contact sheet at www.beforeyoupaint.net or text 925-222-1145.

Sources: Natalia, China Xian Tour; Phillip Harland, Curios and Curiouser