Fourteenth-century potters in the Chinese city of Jingdezhen developed the technology to heat a kiln at 1,300 degrees Celsius and produce porcelain, or "china," which was particularly popular in Persia where the Koran forbade serving food on gold or silver and wealthy families were anxious for a legal way to impress their dinner guests. The potters also imported Persian cobalt to create the blue dye for the porcelain (local cobalt was not as bold in color). Which advantage(s) from trade is(are) illustrated in this passage?
A) differences in preferences
B) specialization
C) comparative advantage
D) The passage illustrates all of these advantages.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage illustrates all three advantages of trade. Differences in preferences are demonstrated by the fact that Persians preferred porcelain over gold or silver for serving food. Specialization is demonstrated by the fact that the potters in Jingdezhen developed the technology to produce porcelain, which became their specialty. Finally, the use of imported cobalt from Persia illustrates comparative advantage, as the local cobalt did not produce the desired color.

Fourteenth-Century Potters in the Chinese City of Jingdezhen Developed the Technology