Piecing Shards Together

Abstract

The imperial manufacture of porcelain in the Qing dynasty was always related to the broad state economy and politics, especially ritual. As has been revealed in administrative regulations and raw material supply, porcelain production seemed to be an independent operation like other court art production. However, as evidence regarding managerial personnel, finance, quality control, and design shows, the technology for producing porcelain was integral to other material production at court. Thus, multiple productive processes were interdependent and they influenced each other. The productive processes and products of court art showcase the character of monarchical industry.