Antique Chinese and Japanese Porcelain collector's help and info page

GLOSSARY

FIVE DYNASTIES AND TEN KINGDOMS

907 - 960

During the first 60 years of the 10th century AD there were initially ten kingdoms, later eight, constantly in conflict with each other but sharing the same underlying cultural values. Each of the rulers tried to manipulate trade so as to accumulate reserves of copper - the monetary metal.

During these 60 years five dynasties followed one another in rapid succession in the central plain. The borders of the southern states remained fairly stable, although Min was eventually absorbed by Wuyue and the Southern Tang, formerly Wu.

Back Home Next navigation bar


Webpage © Jan-Erik Nilsson, Gothenburg, Sweden, 2002