Chinese ceramics

Chinese ceramics are ceramics that have been made in China. Some of these were made as early as the Stone Age.

Covered red jar with dragon and sea design from the Jiajing period (1521–1567) in the Ming dynasty

The earliest Chinese ceramics were earthenware. Stoneware are produced at higher temperatures and are watertight.

Porcelain was invented in China. Porcelain gifts became important gifts from Chinese diplomats. Porcelain became an important export.

History

The pottery of the Song dynasty has kept prestige in Chinese tradition, especially the pottery from the "Five Great Kilns" (see Kiln).

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  A black pottery cooking cauldron from the Hemudu culture (c. 5000 – c. 3000 BC)
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  Pieces of pottery from the Xianrendong cave has been radiocarbon-dated to circa 20,000 BP.
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  Painted jar of the Majiayao culture, Late Neolithic period (3300–2200 BC)
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  Painted pottery pot with raised reliefs of dragons and phoenixes, Western Han dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD)
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  A sancai glazed offering tray, late 7th or early 8th century, Tang dynasty (618–907)
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  Early blue and white porcelain, c. 1335, the shape from Islamic metalwork
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  Wucai Goldfish Vase from the Jiajing period (1521–67) of the Ming dynasty
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  Yellow-glazed brush-holder, "Chen Guo Zhi" mark; Jingdezhen Daoguang period, (1821–50); Shanghai Museum

Related pages

• Terracotta Army