Main content
Art of Asia
Course: Art of Asia > Unit 2
Lesson 15: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)- Ming dynasty (1368–1644), an introduction
- An introduction to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Technology during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Spirit path to the tomb of the first Ming Emperor
- Red so rare it was lost to time —a ritual Ming dish
- The Forbidden City
- The Forbidden City
- Wang Lü among the peaks, Ming paintings of Mt. Hua
- The Abduction of Helen Tapestry
- Standing figure of Guanyin as Buddha
- Covered jar with fish in lotus pond
- Classical gardens of Suzhou
- Song of the morning
- Whirling Snow on the River Bank
- Shen Zhou, A Spring Gathering
- Shakyamuni, Laozi, and Confucius
- Congyi, Cloudy Mountains
- Qiu Ying, Journey to Shu
- Copy after Qiu Ying, Playing the Zither Beneath a Pine Tree
- Palace Women and Children Celebrating the New Year
- Eleven Dragons handscroll
- Wang Wen, Poem in cursive script
- Li (tripod)-shaped cloisonné incense burner
- Canteen
- ‘Kraak’ bowl, from Jingdezhen
- Brushrest with Arabic inscription
- Miniature figurines and furniture in a Ming Tomb
© 2023 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice
Technology during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
At the beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), China was a world leader in the use of gunpowder-based weaponry, shipbuilding and navigation, and the production of porcelain and various other materials requiring technological knowledge. Many of these developments did not continue further into Ming rule. Confucianism did not encourage commerce, and this — combined with a strong belief in the superiority of their own culture — led the Ming emperors to close the country’s doors to foreign ideas and people, limiting access to a few port cities in the south. After the reign of the Yongle emperor (1403–1424), there was little geographic exploration.
Scientific investigation also lagged, and by the end of the dynasty China was importing weaponry and weapon technologies from Europe, where shipbuilding and navigational skills had become more advanced.
The developments that did occur during the Ming dynasty were largely focused on refinements in existing technologies. Examples of these refinements can be found in the lacquers, porcelains, and textiles.
Want to join the conversation?
this doesn't say anything about the little box that was shown! what was the box used for? what is it made out of? is there some symbolism in this little box? what was the box's purpose?(8 votes)
You're absolutely right! I think it is intended to be an example of this exalted Ming Dynasty technology, but that's only a guess. Someone at Khan Art History messed up. The editor needs to add at least one sentence, or maybe a short paragraph. Or else, replace the illustration.(1 vote)
I found this. would this be good.
This covered box is representative of a type created in great numbers during the reigns of the Yongle and Xuande emperors. Like many designs of the early Ming dynasty, precedents for the floral décor are to be found in works created at the Southern Song court. Song examples are most often paintings or ceramics; it was in the early Ming that these designs were fully explored in carved lacquer.(2 votes)
In Ming Dynasty China, were there widespread running water systems (aqueducts, sewer systems, fountains)? If so, who ordered them put in?(1 vote)- It doesn't say anything about the Zheng He's treasure ship or how it was made! I think that if you show anything that involves technology, you should explain how it's made! Not just facts, at least explain it. How did ship building and navigation become more advanced?(0 votes)