The porcelain pathways
Zhangzhou’s ceramics and the global trade in the Wanli period
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/re.17.2025.20954Keywords:
Cultural Exchanges; , Early Global History; , Porcelain Trade,, Zhangzhou, , Manila, , Porcelain Trade,Abstract
This study examines the transformation of porcelain production in the Zhangzhou kilns, Fujian, during the Wanli period (1573-1620), focusing on its integration into international trade networks. In a context characterized by the increasing scarcity of suitable raw materials and operational challenges in the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen, Zhangzhou potters adopted innovative strategies to meet foreign demand. Their output blended indigenous decorative motifs with designs tailored to the preferences of European and Southeast Asian buyers, facilitating its expansion in transoceanic commerce. The research also explores the influence of maritime conflicts and government-imposed restrictions on commercial activity in Fujian, assessing their impact on the distribution of goods and the development of ceramic manufacturing. Through the examination of historical records and archaeological findings, it is demonstrated that Zhangzhou porcelain gained significant prestige beyond China, establishing itself as a highly valued commodity in intercontinental markets.
This investigation highlights Zhangzhou as a paradigmatic example of the relationship between material culture and global trade, emphasizing its adaptability to diverse environments. Its evolution reflects ongoing processes of technical innovation and commercial flexibility that ensured its prominence and recognition in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, promoting its circulation beyond the regional sphere and contributing to the expansion of global economic networks.
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