Zhengtong (era)

The Zhengtong (正統) era, meaning "Rightful Lineage" or "Orthodox Succession," was a historical period in China spanning from 1436 to 1449, during the Ming Dynasty. It was the reign period of Emperor Yingzong, also known as Emperor Qizhen, during his first reign.

The Zhengtong era was initially marked by relative stability under the guidance of the "Three Yangs" (Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu), a group of experienced grand secretaries who had served under the previous emperor. They implemented policies focused on consolidating power and improving the economic situation. However, their influence waned as Emperor Yingzong matured.

A key event of the Zhengtong era was the Tumu Crisis of 1449. Influenced by the ambitious and manipulative eunuch Wang Zhen, Emperor Yingzong personally led a disastrous military campaign against the Oirat Mongols. The Ming army was routed, and Emperor Yingzong was captured. This event plunged the Ming Dynasty into a period of instability.

Following the Tumu Crisis, Emperor Yingzong's younger brother, Zhu Qiyu, was enthroned as the Jingtai Emperor, effectively ending the Zhengtong era. Although Yingzong was later released and restored to the throne during the Tianshun era (1457-1464), the Zhengtong era remains a distinct and significant period in Ming Dynasty history, largely remembered for the calamitous Tumu Crisis. The porcelain produced during this period is also highly regarded by collectors.