---
title: "David Vases — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The David Vases (1351 CE) are Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain made with Iranian cobalt, proving Silk Route exchange between China and the Islamic world."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-art-history/key-terms/david-vases"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Art History"
---

# David Vases — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The David Vases are a pair of blue-and-white porcelain vases from the Yuan dynasty in China. They are named after their inscriptions, which mention a man named Zhang Wenjin and his son David. These vases represent the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese porcelain and reflect the cultural exchange between China and the Islamic world.

## Related Study Guides

- [8.3 Interactions Within and Across Cultures in South, East, and Southeast Asian Art](/ap-art-history/unit-8/interactions-within-across-cultures-south-east-southeast-asian-art/study-guide/VVL39edTFq3MKYverITe)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Blue-and-White Porcelain: A type of ceramic made in China using white clay covered with a layer of cobalt-blue glaze. It became highly popular during the Ming dynasty.
- Islamic Art: Artistic traditions influenced by Islam, including calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesque designs that had an impact on various regions connected by trade routes like the Silk Road.
- [Globalization](/ap-art-history/key-terms/globalization): The process of increased interconnectedness among different parts of the world through trade, communication, and cultural exchanges. The Silk Road played a significant role in early forms of globalization.