Ancient Chinese pots hold great significance simply because China was the first country to pioneer pottery making. Among the earliest known instances of pottery making was in the northern part of China in 4000 BC. Within the next 2000 years, China discovered the pottery wheel and the practice were prevalent during the Miao-Ti-Kou, the Ma-Jia-Yao, and Lung Shan civilizations.
Neolithic period
The Chinese have been using pottery much before the use of bronze became prevalent. The use of ancient Chinese pots was primarily for rituals and utility purposes and their demand gave rise to several kilns in the country. During the Neolithic period, China also developed the pottery wheel. During those times, a wide array of vessels was used in China which included the handmade ones with striations.
Jars were conceived mainly for pulling out water from the pools and also for funerals. Among the famous vessels made around 5000 BC, the Yang-Shao water vessels stand out. The findings of ancient Chinese pots by historians revealed the presence of a highly developed art of pottery making. It was part of the Yang-Shao culture prevalent around the time which has links to the modern Shanxi and henna cultures found after excavations in 1977.
And it was during the Neolithic period that ancient Chinese pots were made in different forms and designs. The art and architecture during this period also reached great heights as well. It was creativity at its height during those times in ancient China and different kinds of motifs and designs got engraved on pots for sale at the marketplace.
Intricate Designs
After the invention of pottery during the Neolithic period, the Chinese developed black and carved pottery as well. Years of experience led the people into the ceramics which started off in the Han dynasty which existed from 206 BC to 220 BC, but archaeologists found glazed pottery that dates back to Zhou dynasty around 1000 BC. Models became more detailed as designs and motifs on ancient Chinese pots became more intricate.
Models were made to look more realistic than ever during the Six Dynasties where the qualities on celadon ware in body clay and glazed colors became highly improved. The development during this period created history in ceramics, but it was only during the Tang dynasty that a major change happened in pot making. More multi colors wares were made which saw some famous developments in ancient Chinese pots with designs of human figures and animals.