Ancient Ceramics

Pottery, a magnificent invention in human civilization, represents the first time mankind altered the physical properties of raw materials to create an entirely new "species." The emergence of mature celadon in the late Eastern Han Dynasty stands as China's monumental contribution to the progress and development of human civilization. Porcelain became a radiant gem in ancient Chinese culture, long exclusive to China, serving as a material vehicle for the global dissemination of Chinese culture and exerting profound influence on ceramic industries worldwide. Among all ancient Chinese arts and crafts, ceramics remain unparalleled. From their appearance nearly 20,000 years ago to the present day, ceramic production has never ceased. Ranging from imperial courts to common households, ceramics were daily essentials for all. The dazzling colors of Tang Dynasty polychrome glazed pottery, the pristine elegance of Song Dynasty celadon, the majestic grandeur of Ming and Qing imperial kilns, and the worldly charm captured in folk ceramics across dynasties—all attest to their endlessly diverse and transformative nature.