The Ming dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644, a period of nearly three centuries that is celebrated for its achievements in porcelain, furniture, lacquer, cloisonné enamel, bronze and painting. In the antiques world, the name is associated above all with the blue and white porcelain made at the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen.
Ming porcelain developed from the blue and white wares of the preceding Yuan dynasty, and under emperors such as Yongle and Xuande in the early fifteenth century it reached exceptional refinement. Six-character reign marks naming the emperor became common on imperial wares from the Xuande period onwards. The Chenghua reign is famous for delicate doucai enamelled wares, and the later Wanli period for kraak porcelain exported in large quantities to Europe. Ming craftsmen also produced elegant hardwood furniture, notably in huanghuali, with clean lines and fine joinery. Genuine Ming pieces are rare, and later Chinese potters frequently added Ming reign marks to their own wares as a mark of respect, so a Ming mark does not by itself indicate a Ming date. Assessing authenticity requires careful study of the body, glaze, potting and painting style. The word Ming remains a byword for quality in Chinese art.
