The founder of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu YuanZhang, was a Buddhist priest before joining an anti-Mongol sect known as the Red Turban. He eventually achieved supreme power within the rebel movement and overthrew the Yuen Dynasty, becoming Emperor Hongwu. Zhu Yuanzhang's son, who reigned as Yongle Emperor, continued the aggressive, despotic policies of his father. He led various military expeditions against the Mongol tribes. For the sake of peace, Yongle moved the Ming government from Nanjing (south) to Beijing (north). It was in Beijing where he built the huge and impressive palace complex ----Forbidden City.

During the Hongwu period, one saw the production of fine under-glaze red ware. While under-glaze blue ware from the Yongle period was well known for a clear body and glaze as well as a strong blue color. Over-glaze decoration also undergone a dramatic development. Wucai, literally five-color enamelware from the Jiajing and Wanli periods was bright and colorful. The Yixing kilns in Jiangsu province also produced pottery in various colors from light yellow, through reddish brown and purplish black to green.