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Ask anyone what they associate with China, and the most common answer will be a Ming dynasty vase. Perhaps without even knowing the dates of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), one is still aware of the fragility, rarity, and value of its porcelain. But porcelain is only part of the story of one of China's most glorious ceramic periods. By focusing on the important years of the early Ming dynasty and through the themes of the court and their lives, extraordinary developments in culture, military, religion, diplomacy, and trade, this wonderful book brings the wider history of this fascinating period to life.This was the age of great voyages of exploration, undertaken for a variety of reasons including trade and diplomacy. Long before Europeans came to China regularly, court-sponsored expeditions were sent to Asia, the Middle East, and the coast of Africa, bringing back knowledge and objects from lands thousands of miles away, of gold, jewels, and foreign fashions. The period also saw the compilation of the world's first encyclopedia (by over 2,000 scholars); the undertaking of major building projects such as the Forbidden City and Ming tombs; the creation of beautiful textiles, paintings, porcelain, gold, jewelry, furniture, jade, and lacquer.The Ming dynasty was a time of great prosperity and innovation. The economy grew rapidly, and new technologies were developed in a variety of fields. The arts and sciences flourished, and the Chinese people enjoyed a high standard of living.This fascinating story is richly illustrated with over 250 images, drawn from objects specially selected for the major exhibition at the British Museum. Some of these are among the finest ever produced in China.
