Thin, cream-colored, compact coarse earthenware paste with light sand tempering.

Chalky white background enamel, with a matte or slightly pebbled surface finish

Designs are painted in dark cobalt blue, which often has a speckled or spongy appearance

Design motifs are based on those of late Ming porcelain. Plate marlys are frequently divided into panels (cavettos) separated by vertical bands or wavy lines, and containing geometric and floral designs.

There is also usually a central medallion design, with motifs of birds, animals, and floral elements.

Cross-hatching is sometimes used to fill in empty areas and blue dashes occasionally appear on rims .

Overlapping arches appear on the exterior of some vessels.