Origin of the Imperial Kiln

What exactly is the “imperial kiln”? The term can be categorized into both narrow and broad definitions. In a narrower context, it refers to the institution and kiln sites established by the Ming and Qing dynasties with the exclusive purpose of making porcelain for imperial use. In a broader sense, it encompasses all the institutions and kiln sites of the era of Imperial China responsible for porcelain production specifically for the imperial court. In this book, the exploration of the origin of the imperial kiln will begin by considering both the narrow and broad perspectives. Where should we commence this journey?