Page 170 - The colours of each piece: production and consumption of Chinese enamelled porcelain, c.1728-c.1780

CHAPTER 4 Early Eighteenth-century EEIC Porcelain Trade in Canton 1729-c.1740

Through a careful examination of the EEIC factory records, this chapter argues

that although enamelled porcelain was exported in small quantities compared to the

bulk export ware of blue-and-white wares, it played a crucial role in the porcelain

trade. Firstly, unlike other types of porcelain, it has more shades of colour, which

provide an ideal medium for the transfer of scenes and subjects of design which could

meet the latest fashion at the time, and therefore formed a key part in the patterns of

global consumption. Secondly, the trade of enamelled porcelain brought a business

opportunity for porcelain dealers who ran small businesses. This research bridges the

gap between studies of art history, trade history and economic history. It sheds light

on the less visible trade of enamelled porcelain, and addresses issues relating to local

porcelain dealers outside the much better documented Hong merchants.

4.2. The EEIC’s Porcelain Trade

4.2.1. The EEIC in Canton

Canton’s natural advantages gave it a preferred position on the China coast for trade.

The monsoon winds determined the access of trading ships to the south China coast.

From June to September the winds blew from the southwest, allowing sailing ships to

ride smoothly downwind across the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the South

China Sea. When the monsoon ended in October, ships remained in the Canton region

for a four-month trading season. The northeast monsoon winds beginning in January

gave them smooth sailing back to India, and ultimately England. Ships started arriving

at Canton in late June and July, but because the monsoon blew until October, ships

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