This paper aims to offer a critical examination of problems concerning the dating of Chinese imperial porcelain of the 15th century. In a first instance, the article analyzes the stylistic relationship of reign marks on Yung-Ie and Hsüan-te imperial wares with the kuan-ko-t'i calligraphic style favored at the early Ming court. In a second instance, the author indicates the shortcomings of periodization methods recently developed regarding Yung-Ie, Hsüan-te and Ch'eng-hua wares unearthed at the Chu-shan site of Ching-te-chen. In a third instance, the author offers a general overview of issues related to ceramics excavated from 15th century tombs, and highlights their significance to both Ming ceramic as well as cultural history.