Blue and white decorated Chinese export porcelain, also known as Canton, was extremely popular with Americans of all economic levels in the late 18th and early 19th century. Archaeological fragments have been found in slave quarters and the homes of modest Americans but even George Washington ordered several sets of "blue and white" china for use at Mount Vernon.

The John Marshall House collection includes many pieces of Canton that descended in the Marshall family and are believed to have belonged to John and Polly Marshall including a tureen, chip plate, pitcher, and several plates, bowls, and pieces of tea ware.