'Blanc de Chine' is a French term refering to undecorated white porcelain pieces made for export in the 17-18th centuries.
During the 16th century, Jesuit priests brought Christianity to China. The Virgin wears a cross and the Christ Child holds rosary beads. The Virgin is standing on a lion's head, which shares similar features with a Chinese Buddha. This piece illustrates the meeting of European and Chinese cultures.