Abstract: During the Chenghua periodin Ming dynasty, the policy of paying silver for the freedom from corvee and the sustained social economic and urban developmentin the south of the Yangtze River stimulated the autonomy and enthusiasm of craftsmen. Concurrently, the attitude of extreme delicacy and pursuit for constant perfection prevailed, and brand names were gradually established. Due to downtotheearth application of knowledge and necessity of learning from artisans through friendship, intelligentsia also engaged in the manufacturing design, leading to the seaming effect of intelligentsiacraftsmen interactions. The paper explores the social basis, forms, characteristics, effect and transmission channels of the interactions, focuses on their respective advantages and limitations, and clarifies the breadth, depth, scope and boundaries of the interactions. It is concluded that the manufacturing design south of Yangtze River in the Ming Dynasty constituted a zenith in modern period and an unprecedented exemplar of cooperation between intelligentsia and craftsmen, both contributing to the precious spirit of craftsmanship through concerted efforts.

Key words: Ming Dynasty, south of Yangtze River, manufacturing;design, interaction, intelligentsia and craftsmen, the spirit of craftsmanship