Why do collectors compare Dehua porcelain with ivory carvings?

Collectors compare Dehua porcelain with ivory carvings after many Blanc de Chine figures share similar colour, texture, and sculptural detail. Ming-era artists carved flowing robes, jewellery, and facial features with great precision, creating porcelain surfaces that resembled polished ivory under candlelight. European traders during the 17th century often grouped Dehua porcelain beside carved ivory imports from Asia and wealthy households displayed both materials inside cabinets of curiosities. Some auction catalogues from the Georgian period described Blanc de Chine figures as “porcelain ivory”, the comparison grew stronger around works linked with He Chaozong. His Guanyin sculptures carry detailed drapery folds and delicate hand modelling that resemble carved tusk material. Art historians often study links between Dehua workshops and Fujian ivory carving traditions from the same period and museum lighting reveals another similarity. Thick Dehua glaze reflects warm light softly rather than sharply, such visual effect gives antique figures a mellow appearance valued by collectors.