White pottery is a type of ceramic art characterized by its pure white surface and body. It is made using china clay and kaolin, with firing temperatures typically around 1000°C. Initially, it was mostly handcrafted, but later, techniques such as the mud-plate and wheel were gradually introduced to improve efficiency and quality.
The shapes of white pottery are relatively simple, including vessels like *jia*, *yi*, *jue*, *dou*, *bo*, *lei*, pots, *you*, and *zhi*. This type of pottery first appeared during the late Longshan culture and early Erlitou culture in Henan. It reached its peak during the late Shang Dynasty, especially in regions like Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong. The Yin Ruins in Anyang, Henan, were the most significant site for its discovery, where the craftsmanship was particularly refined. The bodies were pure white, and intricate patterns such as crinkled lines, cloud motifs, and zigzags were engraved or carved onto the surfaces, making them highly valuable imitations of bronze ritual vessels.
By the Western Zhou Dynasty, white pottery declined due to the rise of more advanced ceramics like printed hard pottery and primitive porcelain, which required higher firing temperatures and offered better durability.
White pottery has its origins in the Neolithic Age and evolved significantly during the Shang Dynasty. As production techniques improved, the selection of raw materials became more precise, and firing techniques were mastered, resulting in more elegant and refined pieces. Most of the forms were everyday items like bowls, jars, and basins. Decorative elements often mimicked those found on bronze artifacts, such as the taotie (animal face), crinkled lines, clouds, and zigzags. Decoration methods included carving and relief work.
The designs were usually spread across the entire vessel, with compositions that were both structured and diverse. Baitao, or white pottery, is fired at around 1200°C using porcelain clay and kaolin. Due to the low iron oxide content—about 1.6%—the final product is uniformly white. It first appeared in the middle of the Neolithic Age, reached its peak during the late Shang Dynasty, and gradually declined during the Western Zhou period.
Initially, it was mainly hand-made, but later techniques like the mud disc and wheel were used. Decoration was often done by pressing patterns into the wet clay, sometimes leaving traces of fabric, mats, or ropes. As technology advanced and aesthetic tastes evolved, the patterns became more elaborate and visually appealing.
Printed pottery featured geometric patterns such as water ripples, rice patterns, back patterns, square patterns, woven textures, and cloud-ray motifs. These designs were harmoniously integrated with the shape of the vessel. Bold patterns like zigzags, cloud-thunder, and back motifs were commonly used on large vessels like cauldrons and altars, while smaller items like cups and bowls were adorned with delicate and elegant designs such as rice and square patterns. During the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods, the arrangements were even and well-structured, creating a strong sense of rhythm. Because of its hardness and cleanliness, it was favored by the ruling class. In the Xia and Shang periods, it was mainly used for wine vessels, food containers, and Other daily use items, often decorated with intricate patterns that closely resembled bronze ritual objects of the same era.
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