LI Xinghua

(Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Abstract: The imperial ceramic plant, a producer of ceramics, was also the symbol of state power. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the worship at the imperial plant changed. This change is not only an embodiment of regime shift in Jingdezhen, but is also an effort of cultural identification through worship. Jingdezhen is a typical city of immigrants known for its handicraft industry. In the social order construction and cultural interactions, different immigrant groups rivaled against each other for their voice in the worship and their interests in order to ensure their own advantages and predominance in the regional culture.

Key words: cultural function; social control; geographical relations; cultural identification