The mystery of porcelain was a closely guarded secret in China for over 1,000 years and at its centre was, and is, Jingdezhen in the Jiangxi Province. The naturally occurring fine white porcelain was only found here and nowhere else in the world – hence an exceptionally successful trade. It was here that porcelain factories employees worked day and night producing orders for the Chinese Royal Household, their skills all that was needed for a successful ceramics industry. For example, in 1554 the Jiajing Emperor, in one single order, requested 26,000 bowls, 30,000 plates, 7,000 cups, all decorated by hand