Lecture Notes: The Ming Dynasty

Overview

• Time Period: 1368 - 1644
• Significance: Provided an interval of native Chinese rule between Mongol and Manchu dominance.
• Cultural Influence: Exerted significant cultural and political influence on East Asia and beyond.

Founding and Governance

• Founder: Zhu Yuanzhang, later known as the Hongwu Emperor.
• Political Structure:
  • Abolished the position of prime minister.
  • Emperor took personal control, assisted by the Grand Secretariat (Neige).
  • The Censorate was established to monitor official misconduct.
  • Civil service system was perfected and became stratified.

Military and Foreign Policy

• Northern Borders: Frequent clashes with Mongols.
• Southern Expansion: Briefly invaded northern Vietnam but restored original boundary after resistance.
• Maritime Expeditions: Conducted under the command of Zheng He to extend influence and collect tribute.
• Japan and Korea: Coastal raids by Japanese and Chinese pirates; attempted to stop Japanese control over Korea.

Decline

• Internal Factors: Factionalism, interference by palace eunuchs, population pressure, weak emperors.
• 1644 Fall: Beijing captured by rebel leader Li Zicheng, leading to the establishment of the Qing dynasty by the Manchu.

Cultural Achievements

• Architecture: Conservative; notable structure includes the Forbidden City.
• Art:
  • Notable for small ornamental carvings and decorative arts like cloisonné.
  • Distinct painting traditions from the Wu and Zhe schools.

Painting

• Literati Painting (Wenrenhua): Emphasized personal style; associated with the Wu school.
• Professional Academics (Huayuanpai): Associated with the Zhe school.

Ceramics

• Key Developments:
  • Monochromatic glazes.
  • Underglaze copper-red and cobalt blue.
  • Overglaze enamel painting, including blue and white porcelain.
  • Renowned for stoneware from Yixing.

Literature

• Literary Contributions: Attempted return to classical prose; significant contributions in vernacular literature, especially novels and drama.
• Kunqu Opera: A major development in Chinese musical theatre.

Zheng He and Naval Expeditions

• Background: Chinese admiral and diplomat of Hui descent.
• Voyages: Conducted seven major naval expeditions, expanding China's influence in maritime Asia.
• Legacy: Extended Chinese political influence and facilitated emigration and trade.

Note: These notes provide a high-level overview of the Ming dynasty's significant historical, cultural, and political developments based on the article from Encyclopaedia Britannica.