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Which goods were produced in Nanjing during the Ming dynasty?
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Nanjing
Skyline of central Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China.
During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Nanjing experienced significant economic growth, particularly in trade and industry. The leading industries and goods produced in the city during this period included:
- Textiles: Weaving and the production of brocade were among the city's primary industries. Additionally, Nanjing was a center for manual silk reeling, which contributed to the development of early capitalism in the region.12
- Pottery: The production of pottery was a leading industry in Nanjing during the Ming era.1
- Printing: The city was a notable center for printing, with its plants issuing fine editions of various classics and significant works such as the Bencao Gangmu (Great Pharmacopoeia) by Li Shizhen and the Yuanshi (History of the Yuan Dynasty).1
- Shipbuilding: Nanjing was home to major shipyards located to the northwest of the city, where large oceangoing vessels were constructed, including those used by Zheng He for his 15th-century expeditions.1