Glazeware: A Chinese Gift to the World

Pottery is "glazed" by giving it a thin coating that, when fired, becomes smooth and shiny. Chinese potters developed the world's first glazeware during the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 B.C.). The Shang potters were also the first to create stoneware, pottery fired at high temperatures to create a harder, waterproof vessel.

At first, glazing was a minor technique. Most vessels continued older decorative techniques (such as those featured in the previous section). Eventually, however, glazewares became the standard Chinese decorated form. Also, through time the technique of glazing spread to other parts of the Old World.

As the Chinese potters developed glazing, they were also the first to move beyond stoneware. Porcelain, which appeared 18 centuries ago, was made from kaolin (a special type of clay) and is white-bodied and hard. Thin pieces are translucent. When people speak of "fine china," they are referring to porcelain.

By scrolling down and clicking on a photo, you can explore the amazing variety of Chinese glazed styles. The first photo opens a new page on some of the "simpler" glaze schemes. Below that photo we feature wares that are outstanding even by Chinese standards.


Click on a Photo to Begin

Blanc de Chine
(Mostly) Monochromatic Glazes

Cizhou ware jar
Cizhou Ware

Blue and Red Glaze Jar
Jun Ware

Celadon bowl on stand
Celadon

Oil spot glaze tea bowl
An oil spot glaze tea bowl

Jizhou ware bowl
Jizhou ware

Blue and White Ware
Blue and white ware

Detail of wine ewer
An explosion of colors

Green glaze bowl
Chinese glazeware today


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