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The Porcelain Maker's Daughter
From Chinese bestselling author Qiang Yu, an epic historical romance about duty, honor, and the power of true love in the face of disaster.
Southern China, 1822. Looking to marry her off to a wealthy Indonesian merchant, Cheng Yafang’s father arranges for her voyage aboard the Tek Sing—the largest trading vessel ever to sail the South China Sea. For Yafang, the second daughter in a family of master porcelain artists, there is no greater a way to safeguard her family business and secure her future. But as she boards the mighty ship containing hundreds of thousands of her family’s finest porcelain, her heart—and the ship itself—harbors a secret that defies generations of tradition.
From a young age, He Zuyao was raised to hate the Chengs. After decades of rivalry rooted in their mastery of the art of porcelain-making, their disdain had grown into a bitter feud. But when he sees Yafang accosted by robbers on her way home, Zuyao doesn’t think twice before risking his life to defend her. Despite their heritage, Zuyao and Yafang vow to marry each other—a love that blossoms in the most unexpected of places.
But after Zuyao discovers her arranged marriage, their vow is pushed to a breaking point.
When disaster strikes the He household and a legendary Guanyin statue is stolen, Zuyao follows its trail to the Tek Sing. Hoping to find the lost family heirloom and reunite with the woman he loves, Zuyao stows away on the ship. As the Tek Sing departs, a tragedy unfolds in the shadows of its bow. And even if they make it to the new land—can they really sacrifice their families’ honor for something as lowly as love?
Based on the true story of the “Oriental Titanic,” The Porcelain Maker’s Daughter is a moving, unputdownable saga. An immersive historical experience surrounding one of the greatest tragedies of 19th-century China.
Southern China, 1822. Looking to marry her off to a wealthy Indonesian merchant, Cheng Yafang’s father arranges for her voyage aboard the Tek Sing—the largest trading vessel ever to sail the South China Sea. For Yafang, the second daughter in a family of master porcelain artists, there is no greater a way to safeguard her family business and secure her future. But as she boards the mighty ship containing hundreds of thousands of her family’s finest porcelain, her heart—and the ship itself—harbors a secret that defies generations of tradition.
From a young age, He Zuyao was raised to hate the Chengs. After decades of rivalry rooted in their mastery of the art of porcelain-making, their disdain had grown into a bitter feud. But when he sees Yafang accosted by robbers on her way home, Zuyao doesn’t think twice before risking his life to defend her. Despite their heritage, Zuyao and Yafang vow to marry each other—a love that blossoms in the most unexpected of places.
But after Zuyao discovers her arranged marriage, their vow is pushed to a breaking point.
When disaster strikes the He household and a legendary Guanyin statue is stolen, Zuyao follows its trail to the Tek Sing. Hoping to find the lost family heirloom and reunite with the woman he loves, Zuyao stows away on the ship. As the Tek Sing departs, a tragedy unfolds in the shadows of its bow. And even if they make it to the new land—can they really sacrifice their families’ honor for something as lowly as love?
Based on the true story of the “Oriental Titanic,” The Porcelain Maker’s Daughter is a moving, unputdownable saga. An immersive historical experience surrounding one of the greatest tragedies of 19th-century China.
- GenresChinaHistorical Fiction
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2025
332 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 5, 2026
Porcelain maker daughter
An samsung historical oriental story based on a real sinking and lost of lives of our of the worst sea tradngedies. Amazing how the autgorwife this story from the historical facts available from few survivors.
An samsung historical oriental story based on a real sinking and lost of lives of our of the worst sea tradngedies. Amazing how the autgorwife this story from the historical facts available from few survivors.
January 15, 2026
Excellent
Being at a loss for words, I loved this story because it had love, compassion, strength, family, etc. The characters bring the story alive, I felt like I was there on the ship....it brought me to tears at one point.
Being at a loss for words, I loved this story because it had love, compassion, strength, family, etc. The characters bring the story alive, I felt like I was there on the ship....it brought me to tears at one point.
December 18, 2025
Excellent historical novel.
I read it in less than a week. It kept me interested the whole time. It's a great read. I sincerely recommend it.
I read it in less than a week. It kept me interested the whole time. It's a great read. I sincerely recommend it.
January 17, 2026
One of my only DNF. Dragged and was stilted. Hard to read. I pushed myself to get to page 85 and then gave up.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews