The Ming Dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644 A.D, was not successful in terms of scientific research or commerce, for example. It had an isolationist policy that limited contact with other cultures and set China behind other countries technologically. However, because it turned its focus inwards, it was able to refine technologies that already existed and create art that would become popular in other parts of the world, such as it blue and white porcelain.
During that time, China also saw the invention of woodblock color printing, the process of two-color printing, and paper. These inventions allowed for a publishing boom, including fictional novels. There was a large amount of books also affordable for the commoners, and the market for fiction grew. Reference books and play scripts also became more popular. This correlates to an increase in literacy rates at the time.
