Introduction

Chuimei Ho's paper draws attention to the fact that in the seventeenth century the ancient intra-Asian ceramic trade of East Asia moved into a period of rapid change, with Japan emerging as a rival supplier to China, and Europe and the Americas becoming major purchasers. However, the overall ceramic market within Asia was not greatly affected by the development of the new Western markets. But the development of a new and wealthy foreign market for fine-quality wares did make a difference to some kiln areas, and encouraged further specialization among producers.