The Minneapolis Institute of Arts artsmia.org - Museum Home Page
The Art of Asia
Introduction
History & Maps
Buddhism

Explore the Collection
Ceramics
Guide to Early Chinese Ceramics



Bronze Age Ceramics
1766-221 B.C.

Pottery making during the Bronze Age Shang (ca. 1766-1122 B.C.) and Chou (1122-221 B.C.) dynasties was a large-scale handicraft industry with a marked division of labor. During Shang, several types of ware, such as gray ware, were created, which continued the traditions from the Neolithic Period while the traditions of painted earthenware nearly disappeared entirely.

The earliest high-fired glazes were achieved during late Shang. Surviving examples display a glaze with a brownish ash tinge. These are the forerunners of Yueh ware, a large family of early green wares known as celadon. Also important was the relationship between the bronze industry and ceramics. Throughout the Shang and Chou dynasties, expensive ritual bronze vessels and bells were carefully imitated in less expensive clay. These replica vessels were apparently made for burial only and they reflect a wide variety of bronze shapes and decorative styles. By late Chou, the use of molds and stamped decoration suggests a clear division of labor quality control and assembly line processes necessary for the mass production of ceramics.


 

Storage Jar
Storage Jar

Jar and Cover
Jar and Cover

Tripod Basin (p'an)
Tripod Basin (p'an)