The Xicun Kiln Site in Guangzhou was a large-scale minyao (People's Kiln) during the Northern Song dynasty. Its products were mainly trading wares for Southeast Asia. In the exhibition of "South-East Asian & Chinese trade pottery" held by the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong in 1979, there were samples that were recognized as products of Xicun Kiln. They were unearthed from the Philippines. However, not a word about Xican Kiln is found in textual record, regardless of its active role in ancient overseas porcelain trade.

Xicun Kiln was again known to the world only in 1952, when it was discovered. It was fully excavated during 1956-57. 300 boxes of porcelain, shards, and kiln tools were unearthed. This book is a complete report of the excavations written by one of major excavators, Mr. Mai Yinghao. In the appendix is a valuable list of Xicun Kiln's products found overseas. The list contains such information as the places of excavation and bibliography of associated publications. This book is an unmissable resource for studies in Chinese porcelain and overseas trade.