Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)
During the Tang Dynasty, Chinese ceramics began to be exported in significant quantities. The development of international trade routes, both overland via the Silk Road and by sea, facilitated the export of Chinese ceramics to various regions, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and even as far as Africa[1][3]. The Tang period is noted for the export of distinct types of ceramics such as celadon, white porcelain, and Tang Sancai (tri-colored glazed pottery)[1].
Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE)
The Song Dynasty saw further development in ceramic production and export. Song ceramics were highly valued for their quality and artistic styles, with innovations in glazes and designs. The kilns at Jingdezhen began to produce porcelain around this time, which became a major export product. Song ceramics reached many parts of Asia, and the influence of these wares is evident in the ceramics of other cultures during this period[2][10].
Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 CE)
The Yuan Dynasty continued the trend, with Jingdezhen growing as a major center of porcelain production. Yuan ceramics were exported extensively, facilitated by the Mongol Empire’s vast reach, which helped integrate trade networks across Asia and into Europe[17].
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE)
The Ming Dynasty is particularly noted for the expansion of porcelain production and export. The quality and variety of Ming porcelain made it highly sought after in international markets. Large quantities of Ming porcelain were exported to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This period marked the height of Chinese ceramic exports, with significant influence on global ceramics art and production[7][8][18].
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE)
During the Qing Dynasty, porcelain exports continued to be significant, although there were fluctuations due to internal strife and changes in trade policies, including maritime trade bans[4][14]. However, the later periods of the Qing saw a resurgence in exports, particularly to Europe and North America, with new styles such as Famille Rose and Famille Verte[12][16].
Summary
While exact figures for the total exports per century are not available, it is clear that Chinese ceramics exports grew from modest beginnings in the Tang Dynasty to a peak during the Ming Dynasty. The export of these goods played a significant role in international trade and cultural exchanges across Eurasia and beyond. The influence of Chinese ceramics on global ceramics traditions underscores the importance and scale of these exports over the centuries.
Citations:
[1] https://helloteacup.com/2021/09/20/foreign-exports-of-chinese-ceramics-during-the-tang-dynasty/
[2] http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/songdynasty-module/econ-rev-ceramics.html
[3] https://archive.asia.si.edu/Shipwrecked/downloads/04Krahl.pdf
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352226719300340
[5] https://www.sothebys.com/en/slideshows/ming-the-intervention-of-imperial-taste
[6] http://www.koh-antique.com/guangdong/tradeceramics.htm
[7] https://www.marchantasianart.com/shop/porcelain-works-of-art/ming-dynasty-porcelain-ceramics/
[8] https://www.worldhistory.org/Ming_Porcelain/
[9] https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-023-01103-2
[10] https://www.britannica.com/art/pottery/Song-dynasty-960-1279-ce
[11] https://gotheborg.com/qa/qingblueandwhite.shtml
[12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_export_porcelain
[13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ceramics
[14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porcelain_trade_of_the_Qing_dynasty
[15] https://www.lse.ac.uk/Economic-History/Assets/Documents/Research/GEHN/LesTreilles/TreillesVainkerPaper.pdf
[16] http://www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/ceramics-qing.php
[17] https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-pottery/The-Yuan-dynasty-1206-1368
[18] https://www.comuseum.com/ceramics/ming/