Chapter 4. Chinese Export Porcelain of the Ming Dynasty and its Dependence on Foreign Silver

A significant influx of foreign silver, particularly from Spanish colonial mines and Japan, transformed Jingdezhen into a global porcelain production hub during the Ming Dynasty (16th century). This economic shift, driven by trans-Pacific trade routes, enabled Jingdezhen to expand its output beyond regional markets to serve international demand. The study reveals that this dependency on foreign silver was not novel, tracing back to at least the 7th century with the use of Persian Sassanid silver coins alongside Tang-period pottery in Guangdong and along the Silk Road. Archaeological evidence, such as the Belitung shipwreck (9th century), underscores the long-standing maritime trade links between China and the Islamic world, reinforcing porcelain's role as a key commodity in global exchange. The research highlights both economic and art historical implications, showing how porcelain designs adapted to overseas tastes while emphasizing the enduring interdependency between Chinese ceramics and foreign silver.

Suebsman, D. (2023). Chapter 4. Chinese Export Porcelain of the Ming Dynasty and its Dependence on Foreign Silver. Embodied Dependencies and Freedoms, 97–120. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110979855-004