Pottery may be
the oldest artwork of human beings. As far back
as the Neolithic Age (more than 8,000 years
ago), people began mixing clay and water then
baking it until it held its shape. Ancient people
attached the word 'pottery' to their discovery
and used it to create various vessels and tools
to improve the quality of life. Over the course
of thousands of years, pottery became dominant
wares in people's daily life: used to cook,
to store things, and to hold cuisine or waters
as dishes.
As time passed, the technique became more and
more consummate. Different kinds of pottery
appeared in different times and regions. Yangshao
Culture, 5,000 - 7,000 years ago to today, developed
a technique for painted pottery. Qujialing Culture
and Longshan Culture, dating back about 4,000
years ago, were known for their black pottery.
During the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century
BC) bronze vessels grew into somewhat of a status
symbol; common people, though, still used traditional
clay pottery. Workshops of grey and white potters
took the artistic features of bronze wares and
decorated their articles ornately.
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. Visitors to the Warriors
are continually amazed by the grandeur and elaborate
displays of the well-preserved army. During
the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280), the forging
technique of porcelain gradually replaced traditional
pottery handiwork.
Another fine example of beautifully crafted
pottery is the tricolor glazed pottery of the
Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). The pieces were created
by adding various metals oxide and baking at
a low temperature. The glazed pottery would
appear to be light yellow, reddish brown, shamrock
or light green. The most popular were those
of yellow, brown and green. The sculpting of
figures, animals or daily appliances was amazingly
in accord with the characteristics of Tang art
- graceful and lively. Preferred by many foreigners
to the region, the tricolor glazed pottery had
been transported all over the world.
Another choice pottery that won great reputation
for hundreds of years is purple clay pottery.
It is well-known for its mild color, condensed
structure, high intensity and fine particles.
As early as the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), people
found purple clay teapots to look much more
graceful than those of other materials. In the
Ming and Qing Dynasties, tea developed as a
simple and tasteful art. People who liked drinking
tea held firm to the belief that tea in the
purple clay pot smelled balmier and could retain
the original quality; these teapots transferred
heat slower and were more endurable of heat;
after long time's use, the teapot would not
fade but become more lustrous. Modern people
still delight in this classic fashion ideal.
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