Han Blue was developed independently of Egyptian Blue — the two civilisations arrived at similar solutions (synthetic copper silicate pigments) through different chemical routes. Han Blue uses barium instead of calcium, and was developed during the Han Dynasty to provide a stable, bright blue for decorative objects and tomb painting. Its independent development represents one of history's most remarkable examples of parallel scientific discovery.

Ancient, parallel, and quietly extraordinary. Han Blue represents the independent emergence of the same aesthetic desire (a stable, brilliant blue) in two separate civilisations at roughly the same time in history. It suggests something fundamental about the human relationship with blue — a universal longing that drives people, independently and simultaneously, to create it.

The discovery that the Terracotta Army warriors originally had polychrome decoration — including Han Blue — transformed understanding of these famous sculptures. What appear as plain terracotta figures in museums were once vividly painted — the colours have faded or flaked over 2,200 years. Han Blue survives on some figures in protected areas, offering glimpses of the original brilliant polychrome appearance.