Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 1.djvu/168



It will be observed that in these extracts no mention is made of the Hui-ching, or Mohammedan blue. This choice mineral ceased, apparently, to be procurable after the Chia-ching era (1522—1566). The Kang-hsi potters and their successors used the native mineral only, but used it in such a manner as to obtain a colour little, if at all, inferior to that of the choicest Ming specimens. Many other details on the subject of cobalt are given in the Tao-lu, but they embody little information and are grouped in a confused manner. The substance of what they convey is that blue of the choicest quality was scarce, expensive, and difficult to prepare. Even when the best mineral was employed, any slight excess of temperature in the porcelain kiln sufficed to burn out its tint. There was, however, a particular variety capable of