What is the difference between imperial and tradeware ceramics?
“Imperial ceramics are those produced for the court of the emperor of China or for his various government officials, military commanders and so on. Such porcelain was produced on a grand scale and a lot of it found its way into Southeast Asia either as trade goods or imperial gifts to vassal kings. Such works of art were produced to the specific and exacting tastes of the Chinese emperors court. Tradeware ceramics, on the other hand, were designed to meet the tastes and requirements of the kings and other elite of Southeast Asia. As well, tradeware was often more sturdily constructed in order to survive the long voyages across the treacherous south China seas.
“Imperial Ceramics are those produced for the court of the emperor of China or for his various government officials, military commanders and so on. Such Porcelain was produced on a grand scale and a lot of it found its way into Southeast Asia either as trade goods or imperial gifts to vassal kings. Such works of art were produced to the specific and exacting tastes of the Chinese emperors court. Tradeware ceramics, on the other hand, were designed to meet the tastes and requirements of the kings and other elite of Southeast Asia who were not quite so particular as those of China.
