Final answer:
The correct answer is option 1. The David Vases are important as they are some of the oldest blue-and-white porcelains made for a Daoist temple, embodying the high craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty porcelain from Jingdezhen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The David Vases are significant in the context of Chinese porcelain because they were indeed made for a Daoist temple and are some of the oldest known examples of blue-and-white porcelain in China. These vases are an excellent representation of the Ming Dynasty's porcelain craftsmanship. During the Ming era, particularly under the reigns of emperors like the Xuande emperor, porcelain production reached new heights in quality and design, largely concentrated in the city of Jingdezhen.
The imperial kilns there produced merchandise that bore the royal mark, with a major focus on blue and white porcelain, which used imported cobalt blue to create exquisite pieces sought after by both domestic and international markets. The David Vases, named after their former owner, Sir Percival David, are a testament to this celebrated art form and are emblematic of the immense skill and artistry that characterized Ming Dynasty porcelain.