Jingdezhen, a city renowned globally for its exquisite porcelain, holds a rich tapestry of history that dates back centuries. Its name, known to history buffs and pottery enthusiasts alike, carries significant historical and cultural weight. This article delves into the origins of Jingdezhen’s name and its historical evolution, piecing together its journey from ancient times to its current status as the “Porcelain Capital.”
Early Historical Context
Before adopting its current name, the region now known as Jingdezhen went through several historical phases:
Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BCE): The area belonged to the eastern border of the State of Chu.
Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE): It was part of Jiujiang County and Fanxian County.
Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE): The region was under Poyang County, Yuzhang Prefecture.
Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 CE): Known as Xinping Town.
Tang Dynasty and Early Song Dynasty Changes
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), the region underwent further administrative changes:
621 CE (Fourth Year of Wude): Xinping County was established, incorporating Xinping Town, also known as Changnan Town due to its location south of the Yangtze River.
625 CE (Eighth Year of Wude): The county was withdrawn.
716 CE (Fourth Year of Kaiyuan): Xinping County was restored with its governance at the mouth of the Xinchang River, thus named Xinchang County.
742 CE (First Year of Tianbao): Xinchang County was renamed Fuliang County. The town alternated between being part of Xinchang and Fuliang counties.
The Song Dynasty and the Imperial Connection
The pivotal moment in the town’s history came during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 CE). In the first year of Emperor Zhenzong’s reign, known as “Jingde” (1004 CE), the town received its enduring name. Jingdezhen, meaning “Jingde Town,” was named to honor the emperor and to recognize the exceptional quality of the blue and white porcelain produced there. The imperial endorsement significantly boosted the town’s reputation, making it a premier center for porcelain production.
Jingdezhen’s Porcelain: A Global Phenomenon
Jingdezhen porcelain was not only famous domestically but also highly prized overseas. Historical records indicate that Chinese porcelain, especially from Jingdezhen, was cherished in ancient Southeast Asia, Arabia, Africa, and Europe. The town’s porcelain reached new heights of fame during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when Zheng He made his seven voyages to the West, starting from the third year of Yongle (1405 CE). Among the treasures he carried were high-quality porcelains from Jingdezhen, which played a crucial role in cultural exchanges and trade.
The renowned poet Chen Zhisui captured Jingdezhen’s significance in his poem “Jingdezhen”: “Don’t laugh at digging mountains with rough hands, and making earthenware to move the capital. In the past dynasties, people came from overseas, and the rugged mountains turned into smooth roads.”
Modern-Day Jingdezhen
Today, Jingdezhen is much more than a city known for its porcelain-making skills. It has evolved into a vibrant cultural and tourist hub:
Historical and Cultural Recognition: Jingdezhen is one of China’s first batch of famous historical and cultural cities.
Tourist Attractions: It is one of China’s 35 top tourist destinations and an outstanding tourist city, ranked among the 50 most worth visiting places in the country.
Scenic Spots: Attractions such as the Ancient Kiln Folklore Expo Area and Fuliang Ancient County Office preserve and display the city’s rich historical heritage.
Educational Institutions: Jingdezhen Ceramics University is the only full-time, multi-disciplinary higher education institution in China specializing in ceramics.
Conclusion
The name “Jingdezhen” is a testament to the town’s historical significance and its enduring legacy in the world of ceramics. From its early days under various dynasties to its renaming in honor of Emperor Zhenzong’s reign, Jingdezhen has stood as a symbol of excellence in porcelain production. Today, it continues to inspire and captivate the world, blending its rich past with modern advancements and maintaining its status as a global cultural icon.
