White pottery is a type of ceramic that features a white surface and body, made primarily from kaolin and china clay. It is fired at around 1000°C, and traditionally, it was handcrafted. Over time, techniques such as the mud-plate and wheel were gradually introduced to improve efficiency and quality.
The shapes of white pottery were mostly utilitarian, including items like jars, bowls, pots, and containers. Common forms included jia, yong, jue, dou, bei, lei, and others. White pottery first appeared during the late Longshan culture and early Erlitou culture in Henan. It reached its peak during the late Shang Dynasty, with many examples found in sites across Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong. The Yin Ruins in Anyang, Henan, were particularly significant, where white pottery was produced with great care and precision.
The texture of the pottery was pure and white, often decorated with intricate patterns such as cloud motifs, zigzags, and wave designs. These decorations were usually carved or applied in relief, and they reflected the influence of bronze ritual vessels. In the Western Zhou Dynasty, white pottery declined in favor of more advanced ceramics like hard porcelain and printed pottery.
White pottery dates back to the Neolithic Age and continued through the Shang Dynasty. Its development was marked by improvements in raw material selection and firing techniques, resulting in more refined and elegant pieces. The low iron oxide content—around 1.6%—ensured a white finish after firing.
Decorative methods included engraving and bas-relief, with patterns often covering the entire surface in a balanced and dynamic composition. Printed pottery, which emerged later, used textures like cloth, mat, and rope imprints to prevent warping and strengthen the shape. As technology advanced, these patterns became more elaborate and artistic.
The designs on white pottery were largely geometric, featuring elements like water ripples, rice patterns, square motifs, and cloud-thunder patterns. These were often matched to the form of the vessel, with bold patterns used on larger items and finer details on smaller ones. During the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods, the patterns became more structured and rhythmic, showing a growing appreciation for aesthetics.
Due to its durability and clean appearance, white pottery was favored by the ruling class. It was commonly used for wine vessels, food containers, and ritual objects, often adorned with delicate and symbolic designs. These pieces were considered valuable and closely resembled bronze ritual wares of the same period.
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