Imperial porcelain from Ming and Qing dynasties displayed in Beijing

Two plates from the Ming and Qing Dynasty Imperial Kilns are on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing on Oct 25. [Photo/VCG]

An exhibition entitled "Porcelain from the Ming and Qing Dynasty Imperial Kilns" opened at the Palace Museum in Beijing on October 25.

The exhibition, as a result of archaeological finds through the collaboration between the Palace Museum, Jingdezhen Ceramic Archaeology Institute and other partners, aims to show visitors how the beautiful imperial porcelain was produced and managed.

Porcelain manufactured in the imperial kilns was a way for emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties to demonstrate their imperial supremacy, and therefore the design, manufacture, use and disposal of these items was kept under strict surveillance.

At the imperial kilns, porcelain was produced according to the official designs sent by imperial authorizes.

The products which passed quality testing would be sent to the royal family for use, while those that did not meet the standard would be destroyed. If the damaged products were found in use, the items would be collected and buried.

The entire process of using porcelain from imperial kilns was under rigorous scrutiny to safeguard the royal privilege and supremacy.

The exhibition, which will last until February 26, 2017, is showcasing 67 sets of porcelain from the imperial kilns from Ming and Qing dynasties.