The Ming Dynasty - When Porcelain Became Power

This week Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene explore the extraordinary ceramics of the Ming Dynasty, the period that established China as the world's greatest producer of porcelain.

From the famous blue-and-white wares of Jingdezhen to magnificent imperial commissions and the global trade that carried Chinese porcelain across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, we uncover how Ming potters achieved levels of craftsmanship that have rarely been surpassed. We also discover how these exquisite objects became symbols of wealth, power, and cultural exchange, inspiring generations of potters around the world.

Emperor Hongwu (21 October 1328 – 24 June 1398) – Public Domain
Monks Cape Ewer, 1368-1644, The Met Collection, Public Domain
Bowl with Chrysanthemums, late 14th Century, The Met Collection, Public Domain
Porcelain Plate with Animals, mid 14th Century, The Met Collection, Public Domain
Jar with Dragon, 1426-1435, The Met Collection, Public Domain
Bowl with Pomegranates, lotus scrolls, and chrysanthemum Petals, early 15th century, Public Domain
Flask with Medallion, early 15th century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Credits:
Hosts: Paul Greenhalgh & Stephanie Rozene
Editor: Jim Fuller & Sam Bond

Sound Engineer and Mixer: Joe Little
Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction: The Ming Dynasty - When Porcelain Became Power
• 00:02:36 The Rise of Emperor Hongwu: From Peasant to Power
• 00:14:19 Technical Mastery: Copper Reds and Chrysanthemum Bowls
• 00:16:38 Infrastructure and Imperial Ambition: Building the Ming Empire
• 00:23:00 Emperor Yongle and the Golden Age of Blue and White
• 00:21:06 The Dragon Jar: Symbolism, Status, and Visual Mastery
• 00:28:11 Islamic Influences: Cross-Cultural Design and Pattern
• 00:33:13 The Great Voyages: Porcelain as White Gold
• 00:36:47 The Inward Turn: Crisis, Capture, and Conservative Retreat
• 00:41:54 Legacy: Jingdezhen and the Story Written in Glaze