While we've touched on imperial influence, it's worth revisiting the specific impact of the Wanli Emperor (r. 1572-1620) on Ming ceramics. The Wanli period, which was one of the longest of the Ming Dynasty, saw a unique style of ceramic production that reflected the emperor’s personal tastes and the changing economic landscape of the time. The emperor’s preferences had a profound effect on the styles and production methods that were popular during this time period.
The later Ming Dynasty (1522-1644) saw significant diversity in ceramic production, with new colors, glazes, and techniques introduced, alongside a thriving export trade and varied decorative styles reflecting changing tastes.