What is artisanal labor?  How would they be involved in something like "porcelain" or "silk" commercial production?

Artisanal labor refers to work done by skilled craftsmen, often by hand, as opposed to mass production methods. This type of labor is often associated with high-quality, unique products because of the attention to detail and personal touch that artisans bring to their work.

In the context of porcelain or silk commercial production, artisans would be involved in various stages of the process.

For porcelain, artisans might be involved in:

1. Designing the shape and style of the porcelain pieces.
2. Handcrafting each piece, which could involve molding the porcelain clay, painting designs, or adding other decorative elements.
3. Firing the porcelain in a kiln, which requires careful control of temperature and timing to achieve the desired finish.
4. Inspecting and finishing each piece by hand to ensure it meets the artisan's quality standards.

For silk, artisans might be involved in:

1. Raising silkworms and harvesting their silk.
2. Spinning the silk into thread.
3. Weaving or knitting the thread into fabric.
4. Dyeing or printing the fabric with designs.
5. Sewing the fabric into finished products, like clothing or home goods.

In both cases, the artisan's skill and expertise are crucial to the production process. They bring a level of quality and uniqueness to the products that can't be achieved with mass production methods.