Ming Dynasty Porcelain
The period from the 14th to the 17th century produced some of China’s best porcelain
The Ming Dynasty in China was renowned for its high culture, and an important part of this was the production of fine porcelain which is highly prized today.
The Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty refers to the period of Chinese history between 1368 and 1644, from the fall of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty to the eventual conquest of China by the Manchu and the ensuing Qing Dynasty.
This long period of relative stability was marked by the growth of trade with other countries, including those of Europe, which in turn brought great wealth to the ruling class. The development of high-quality porcelain, both for domestic use and export, was an important element of Ming culture.
Early Ming porcelain
Pottery manufacture had already been established in China before the first Ming Emperor (Hongwu) came to power, but it was during his reign that potters mastered the art of producing high-fired translucent and resonant porcelain. As well as delicate drinking vessels they also produced large storage jars that were made in separate sections and then fixed together with a watered-down clay (called “slip”) that was then dried before being decorated and glazed.
