Chinese Porcelain

The Chinese invented modern style porcelain in the Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). It is one of their most famous inventions. Techniques matured in the Tang Dynasty and in the Song dynasty famous kilns emerged. Blue and white porcelain became popular in the Yuan Dynasty. Porcelain of the Ming Dynasty had characteristics found in the Song Dynasty. Doucai porcelain from the Chenghua period had full colors. Styles for China porcelain developed throughout the Qing Dynasty.

Chinese porcelain was prized for its beauty and durability and was one of China's main exports. Europeans starting making porcelain in the 18th century. As more factories started creating European porcelain, the demand for Chinese porcelain began to decline. Chinese exporters started taking advantage of the emerging American market during the 19th century.

Some of the most famous styles of Chinese porcelain include Blue and White, Blanc de Chine, Celadon, Iron Red Glaze, Cobalt Blue Glaze, Sancai, Wucai, Doucai, Famille Rose, Famille Verte and Famille Noir. The Chinese have crafted countless types of items from porcelain, some of the most common items include Vases, Plaques, Urns, Teacups, Plates, Bowls, Figures, Brush Pots and Water Coupes. Additionally, vases can be classified by their many different shapes including: Phoenix Tail Vase, Double Gourd Vase, Roleau Vase, Sleeve Vase, Globular Vase, Moonflask Vase, Flaring Vase, Cong Vase, Plum Vase, Mallet-shaped Vase, Rotating Vase, Hundred Deer Vase, Lobed Vase, Garlic Mouth Vase, Pear Shaped Vase, and Plum Vase.