Imperial Tributes and Official Kilns

As soon as it appeared, porcelain became an integral part of daily life, its chief value, from the point of view of both its producers and consumers, being in its utility. At this time there was no clear distinction between nobility and inferiority, and there were no official or private kilns.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907) experienced a period of political enlightenment, social stability and economic and cultural prosperity. Its porcelain industry developed rapidly, and celebrated kilns and products soon emerged. Celadon from the Yue Kiln in the south, and white porcelain from the Xing Kiln in the north were famous for their high quality, both types having been likened respectively to jade and silver. At this time there were dozens of such noted kilns.

Porcelain from such celebrated kilns was highly valued by the imperial family and the nobility, not only for its utility, but also for its aesthetic qualities. Consequently, it was often offered in tribute. The ruling class of the Tang Dynasty did not monopolize the production and consumption of famous kilns, so exquisite porcelain ware was available to whosoever could afford it.

However, by the Five Dynasties Period (907-960) things had changed. As a matter of security, certain local regimes reserved fine porcelain products for purposes of imperial tribute, and maintained a monopoly on their products. Consequently, kilns producing such porcelain became exclusively official.

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