Chapter 445: Purple Qi

The enamel colors were fired in Jingdezhen. The finest plain white porcelain was sent to the palace, where it was painted with enamel glazes and baked.

The craftsmen's skills were exceptionally high, and the level of workmanship was strictly controlled; any defective pieces were immediately smashed.

Because enamelware was exclusively for the enjoyment of the royal family within the palace, it was not allowed to leak out, hence it was extremely rare and thus was also called the "imperial kiln" among official kilns.

Each piece of Famille Rose porcelain is unique; the white porcelain body it requires is specially made by the Imperial Kiln Factory in Jingdezhen and, after being transported to the capital, is painted and fired in the Qing Palace Manufacture Department.

The required patterns are drafted by the Ruyi Hall of the Manufacture Department and approved by the Emperor. The court painters then paint the patterns onto the porcelain, ensuring that no two pieces are alike.