Porcelain for the Emperor: Manufacture and Technocracy in Qing China

The Imperial Porcelain Manufactory at Jingdezhen in southern China produced exquisite ceramic ware as visual propaganda for the Qing dynasty court. Porcelain for the Emperor explores the career of bannerman Tang Ying, a technocrat in the porcelain industry, to uncover the wider role of specialist officials in producing technological knowledge and artistic forms that were essential to cultural policies of the Chinese state. It contributes new insights to scholarship on global empires and the history of science and technology in China, highlighting the lingering imprint of imperial states intervention in industry on modern China through modes of labor-intensive production, the division of domestic and foreign markets, and a technocratic culture of centralization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Washington Press

The Imperial Porcelain Manufactory at Jingdezhen in southern China produced exquisite ceramic ware that served as a powerful visual propaganda tool for the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) court. Porcelain for the Emperor delves into the career of bannerman Tang Ying, a prominent technocrat in the porcelain industry, during the first half of the eighteenth century. By examining the role of specialist officials in creating the technological knowledge and distinctive artistic forms that were crucial to Chinese cultural policies, the book sheds light on the broader significance of these imperial technocrats in facilitating rationalized manufacturing in precapitalist and preindustrial societies.

Drawing on extensive museum collections, firsthand archaeological evidence, and the comprehensive Archive of the Imperial Workshops, this book offers fresh perspectives on global empires and the history of science and technology in China. Readers will gain valuable insights into how the imperial states' intervention in industry left a lasting impact on modern China, particularly through its labor-intensive production methods, the division of domestic and foreign markets, and the establishment of a technocratic culture of centralization.

The Imperial Porcelain Manufactory at Jingdezhen played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of China during the Qing dynasty. Its production of high-quality porcelain not only showcased the technological prowess of the Chinese people but also served as a symbol of the imperial court's power and prestige. Through the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail of its artisans, the factory produced a wide range of ceramic wares, including teaware, vases, and sculptures, that were sought after by royalty and nobility across Asia and Europe.

In addition to its artistic and commercial significance, the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory also played a crucial role in the development of porcelain technology. The factory's innovations in firing techniques, glaze composition, and mold-making allowed for the production of porcelain that was not only beautiful but also durable and functional. These advancements in porcelain technology not only improved the quality of life for the Chinese people but also contributed to the spread of Chinese culture and trade throughout the world.

The book Porcelain for the Emperor offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory in shaping the Qing dynasty and the broader history of China. Through its detailed account of the career of Tang Ying and the broader context of imperial manufacturing, the book provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between technology, culture, and power in early modern China. It also sheds light on the enduring impact of the imperial states' intervention in industry on modern China, particularly in terms of its modes of labor-intensive production, the division of domestic and foreign markets, and the establishment of a technocratic culture of centralization.

In conclusion, the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory at Jingdezhen was a remarkable institution that played a vital role in the cultural and economic development of China during the Qing dynasty. Its exquisite ceramic ware served as a powerful visual propaganda tool for the imperial court, while its technological innovations and contributions to porcelain technology helped to shape the global trade and cultural landscape. Through the lens of Tang Ying's career and the broader context of imperial manufacturing, Porcelain for the Emperor offers a valuable contribution to scholarship on global empires and the history of science and technology in China.

Dimension: 254 x 178 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295750828