Chinese Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest forms of expression in Chinese arts. Dating from the Neolithic age to the present day, it spans over 8,000 years of history. The word pottery was given to the objects, made from mixing water and clay to form a shape and heating it to keep its form. Since that ancient time, pottery has been used to create the necessary vessels and tools for human existence and quality of life. Different kinds of pottery appeared in different times and regions. Once a large kiln has been set up, it often continues to produce for hundreds of years. The arts of preparing clay, glazing, and firing are often passed down from generation to generation; so each area will tend to develop its own individual glazes, clays, and decorating techniques, resulting in unique styles and designs. From the particular features of a piece, one can usually define when and where it was made. The Yangshao

culture developed painted pottery between 5,000-7,000 years ago, whilst other potters used ornate decorations and bronze wares mixed with pottery. From the Warring States Period through the Han Dynasty, the art and culture of pottery thrived. In addition to creating everyday pieces, pottery beasts and warriors were created and buried with the grandees.The Terra Cotta Warriors, discovered in Xian, are the finest representatives of artworks of that time. The Tricolour glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 was created by adding metal oxide to the potter and baking it at a low temperature. The colours of the pottery ranged through various shades, with the most popular colours being yellow, brown and green. The pottery would be sculpted

with figures of animals and humans in the style of Tang art, retaining an aura of grace as well as being lively. Purple clay pottery was one of these styles which reached a peak of popularity for hundreds of years. It has a mild colour, ad is famous for a high intensity, fine particles and a condensed structure. During the Song dynasty of 960 - 1279, and later in the Ming and Qing dynasties, purple clay was greatly desired for its graceful look when sculpted into teapots for the rapidly developing art that surrounded tea. Pottery has held sway over people's lives, enabling people to cook, store things and transport water efficiently. Chinese pottery with its both practical and attractive characteristic, has been prized by travellers and was transported all over the world.