by David Cheng

Throughout antiquity, China was a major world player, with a huge economy and trade ties that reached around the world. Chinese porcelain was a big contributor to this.

But the vast Chinese porcelain trade would never have developed if not for one man. Because of this man’s voyage, important trade ties between China and the west were established that last to this day.

That man was called Zhenghe, a great explorer and navigator during the Ming dynasty.

Although a sea trade route started between China and the south Asian countries in very early times, the trade was very small in scale, and limited by the difficulty of maritime shipping. But after Zhenghes voyages, beautiful porcelain dishes and plates were sent abroad in an unprecedented quantity.

In 1405, the great mariner set off the coast of Nanjing for the west. His emperor hoped to trumpet Chinese power and wealth to its neighbors, and Zhenghe was entrusted with the mission.

Among the crates of pearls, silk, and other Chinese items was the greatest cargo of all: Jingdezhen porcelain. These delicate items were too fragile to be transported over land by camels or horses, so Zhenghe’s voyage was their only hope for reaching the outside world. The emperor believed sending such gifts would earn him worldwide admiration and loyalty.

The size of Zhenghe’s fleet was simply massive. Over 200 ships and 27,000 men were prepared for the journey. And they were ready for a long trip: farming supplies and large pots of soil were on hand to grow fresh fruit and vegetables.

But the trip was not easy: they had to rely on violent monsoon winds to get from one place to another. They wrapped around the southern edge of China, past India and all the way to Africa.

They traded all along the route with Malays, Indians, Arabs, and Africans. Today, if you have the chance to visit the Mombasa National Museum in Kenya, you can still see some of these beautiful porcelain items. In Malindi and Kenya, a local tradition that still lives today is that people decorate tombs with Chinese porcelain as a display of wealth.

About the Author:
Author D. Cheng has studied Chinese culture, calligraphy, and arts & crafts such as bone china tea sets for years. Once in a while, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. Look at some beautiful Chinese tea sets.