Page 50 - The colours of each piece: production and consumption of Chinese enamelled porcelain, c.1728-c.1780

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

were noted in every diary transaction, and have not been explored. In contrast to other

scholars, my research uses these activities to illustrate the trade of enamelled

porcelain.

Figure 1-2 A contract of porcelain between dealer Tunqua and the EEIC at Canton.
The date is 25 August, 1734, and it shows details of the type of porcelain, the quantity as
well as the prices.
Source: IOR/G/12/36, 25 August, 1734. British Library.

Figure 1-2 is an example of a porcelain contract on 25 August 1734 between

68
Canton porcelain dealers and the EEIC. As is shown, the contracts usually have
information including the porcelain dealer, the date, the quantity of porcelain of each

type, types of porcelain, and shapes of porcelain, price per piece or per set. This

provides crucial and detailed information that allows us to study Chinese export

68 In this thesis, I reference the India Office Records by giving the precise date, for example, I use
IOR/G/12/36, 25 August, 1734.
34