Hsuan-ta imperial porcelains represent a peak in the art of ceramics during the Ming dynasty, not only in terms of the refinement of production, but also in the numbers of pieces that were fired. Although Hsuan-tsung's Hsuan-te reign lasted for only about ten years (from 1426 to 1435), there is no lack to the quality of the ceramics. Many innovations were made in terms of monochrome glazes, colored ware, and decoration during this brief period. The present paper in two parts presents an arrangement and review of surviving Hsuan-te porcelains, including those in public and private museums and collections around the world as well as Hsuan-te shards excavated from the site of the Ming imperial kilns at Ching-te-chen. The result is a better understanding of the defining characteristics of Hsuan-te ware, including the variety of vessel shapes, glazes, and "multi-dimensional" use of decoration. The latter term refers to either the variety of glazed decoration that appeared on the same vessel, or the same decoration that appeared on many different vessel types. Also included in the paper is a study of some technical aspects of production, the appearance of reign marks, and specific types of decoration. Hsuan-te porcelains had a great impact on the production of later imperial ware, providing a model for the appearance of vessel shapes, glazes, decoration, and reign marks, The present paper also offers specific examples and the differences between innovations, traditions, and imitations. The many imitations of Hsuan-te ware in the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties testify to the deep and far-reaching influence that they had on later generations of ceramics. Thus, Hsuan-te imperial porcelain ware holds an important role in the history of Chinese ceramics and deserves further individual study.