Nanyao biji 南窯筆記

Nanyao biji 南窯筆記 (also written 南窑筆記) "On the southern kilns" is a book on the porcelain industry of Jingdezhen 景德鎮, Jiangxi, written by an anonymous author during the 18th century. It was never published, but a facsimile of the manuscript is found in the series Meishu congshu 美術叢書.

The text consists of 35 paragraphs that explain the history of the factories, their kilns and specific features of the sherds, glazing and decorations from the oldest times to the end of the Ming period 明 (1368-1644). The author seems to have resided in Jingdezhen for an extended period and paid close attention to detailed matters of porcelain-making, thus gaining insights into its skills. In this book, the author clearly and in detail records the raw materials used in porcelain firing, their origins, and the flourishing state of the porcelain industry in Jingdezhen. Additionally, the text records how the operators of the Jingdezhen kilns learned from and emulated other kilns, such as the Ru Kilns 汝窯, Ge Kilns 哥窯, Guan Kilns 官窯, Longquan Kilns 龍泉窯, and the Liuli Kilns 琉璃窯 of Shandong, and the Fahua Kins 琺花窯 of Shanxi that produced enamel ware. This illustrates the extensive exchange and mutual learning among kiln-makers in various regions at that time.

The book also mentions the division of labour in Jingdezhen's porcelain industry. For example, the steps from collecting porcelain clay to firing, packaging, and shipping which involved no less than 64 steps for coarse porcelain, and up to 72 steps for fine porcelain. Additionally, the book provides detailed records of the shapes and sizes of Jingdezhen kilns and different firing processes. The Nanyao biji holds significant value for the study of the history of Chinese ceramics.