The finest examples of kiln ware from Jingdezhen, China, are called kanko. There is no uniformity in the style. It began in the Ming dynasty. The selection of various materials and the fineness and beauty of the wares are the same as those of the Guan ware, and they are used for official purposes. Hence, it is called kan. There is a type of ancient Guan ware from the Jiaqing period (1796-1828) called “mixed water blue” or “pale blue,” and there are also pieces that are similar to those from the old famous kilns. They should not be mistaken for the official kilns of the Song dynasty in Weijing (Kaifeng, Henan Province) and Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province).
(Jingdezhen Pottery Record)
