This exceptional pair of Chinese vases in Islamic style reflects the rich and storied history of the Silk Road. Middle Eastern and Islamic influences in Chinese art and porcelains began appearing from the 2nd to 1st century BCE, with Muslim communities being recorded in China from the 8th century CE. From the 9th century, Islamic traders began importing fine Chinese ceramics, which inspired Islamic potters. In the early years of Chinese blue and white porcelain, the Islamic market proved crucial, with most of the “Muslim Blue” styles exported to the Middle East until the Ming Dynasty. Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelains borrowed from arabesque and plant scroll motifs of Islamic art, likely inspired by Islamic metal vessels. Further reflecting the cross-cultural trade of the Silk Road, the cobalt blue used in these Chinese wares were first imported from Persia. Chinese porcelains became popular collector’s items in the Islamic world, especially for shahs and sultans, and inspired ceramicists in Turkey and Iran. These vases are adorned with Arabic text in the centre, with leaf motifs wrapping around the neck. Red, white, and blue glazes seamlessly blend Islamic and Chinese styles, producing a truly cosmopolitan object. (ES.7758 FA)