The Transformation Of The Imperial Kiln Between 1572 And 1620

From the late sixteenth century to the early seventeenth century,with the closer ties between European countries and Eastern countries,great changes took place in the global porcelain trade.As the world’s most important porcelain exporter,China also underwent new changes in porcelain production to adapt to the times,of which Jingdezhen kiln was a typical example.In order to explore the changes in the porcelain industry in Jingdezhen during this period and provide support for its adaptation to domestic and foreign markets,the author of this paper focuses on the analysis of the production system,technology and cost of the Imperial Kiln,which was systematically recorded and studied,based on historical documents,archaeological discoveries,materials and field investigation.Through literature and archaeological discoveries,it can be seen that the Imperial Kiln in this period was in the transition stage of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.The Kiln actively adjusted the management system and refined the production technology in accordance with the development of social productivity.Analysis of the products in this period shows that forming,decoration and firing were the basic steps of most porcelain production and the cost mainly consisted of three parts:raw materials,firewood and manpower.By estimating the cost of porcelain production of the Imperial Kiln,it can be found that although the Imperial Kiln controlled the raw materials and craftsmen allocated by the state and did not need to worry about the destinations of the products,it still had to consider the cost so as not to lose money.And the civilian kilns not only needed to control the costs of their own products,but also to adapt to the policy adjustment of the Imperial Kiln and make changes in accordance with domestic and foreign markets.The production reform of the Imperial Kiln and civilian kilns in Jingdezhen between1572 and 1620 was an overall reflection of the social and economic situation and management and production modes of the period.Clarifying the economic factors and cost of kilns can provide information for the development and trade of pottery and porcelain at home and abroad from an economic perspective.