Qing porcelain served as a powerful symbol of status, wealth, and imperial authority, deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of the time, and reflecting the opulence of the era.
While emperors are often credited with shaping artistic tastes, it's important to acknowledge the influence of powerful court eunuchs during the Ming Dynasty on ceramic production. These figures, often close to the imperial family, could wield significant power and influence, and their preferences sometimes shaped the types of pieces that were created during this period.