Cobalt is synonymous with blue. The metal has lent itself to a rich, inky colour seen in earthenware, glass and textiles from ancient Mesopotamia to Ming dynasty China, but today’s smartphone-fuelled craze outstrips the blue rush of old. Follow the influence of cobalt in The Global Life of Design at NGV International now. 1: Installation views of The Global Life of Design at NGV International. Photography: @SeanFennessy. 2. Japanese, Incense burner, The Global Life of Design at NGV International Photography: @SeanFennessy. 3: Korean, Dragon jar 18th century, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased, NGV Foundation, NGV Supporters of Asian Art and the Lillian Ernestine Lobb Bequest, 2007. 4: Dale Hardiman and Stephen Royce, Open garden: digital mirror 2020, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased, NGV Supporters of Contemporary Design and Architecture, 2020 © Dale Hardiman and Stephen Royce. Photo: Jonathon Griggs.