While Blanc de Chine is most closely associated with later periods, the foundations for this type of white porcelain were laid during the late Ming Dynasty. Potters in Dehua, Fujian province, began to develop the unique clay bodies and techniques that would eventually give rise to the famous Blanc de Chine wares, and these early examples of white pottery production are an important part of the overall development of this particular style.
"Shufu" wares, produced in Jingdezhen during the Yuan Dynasty, are known for their delicate white porcelain, often with subtle underglaze decorations in a pale blue or creamy white. These pieces were often made for the Imperial court or for other high-ranking officials and scholars and they demonstrate the continued importance of high quality white porcelain.