Blue and white ceramic vase made and hand-painted in China in the second part of the 20th century, in original condition with normal signs of age. Blue and white ceramics have a long history in Chinese porcelain, dating back to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and becoming more important during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. The combination of cobalt blue on a white background is a classic and enduring style of Chinese ceramics. These motifs are a common theme in Chinese ceramic art. The different flowers can symbolise various cultural or philosophical meanings. Blue and white porcelains are highly sought after and pieces with traditional motifs attract collectors of Chinese art and ceramics.