Chinese Ceramics & Pottery

Made out of clay heated at over 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit), porcelain is the most commonly used medium in creating Chinese ceramics and pottery. During the high heat firing process, the clay of mostly kaolin transforms to a strong and resilient surface.

There are many different styles of Chinese ceramic decorations originating from different places and times within China’s long history of pottery. For example, during the Song dynasty, blue-green glazed ceramics came from the south while more olive-toned celadon ceramics originated from the north. Later, in the 17th century Ming dynasty, the popular ceramic became the Qing-Hua blue and white style of glazing.

Quick Facts

• Porcelain gets its name from the old Italian word, “porcellana," meaning “cowrie (snail) shell," because of it’s resemblance to shell
• The formation of glass and mullite from the kaolin clay accounts for the hardness and translucent quality of porcelain ceramics
• Inauthentic ceramics on the market today can often be identified by looking at the finish on the base of a Chinese ceramic piece