If you aren’t aware of just how significantly Chinese ceramics have impacted the world, consider the word China. When people move homes, you’ll hear them tell the movers to take care of their China. Or when someone is serving dinner to a special guest, they’ll use their finest China. They mean their delicate dishes, such as plates and cups, which are costly most of the time. The term China in regard to dishes comes because ceramics originated in China, contributing greatly to the ceramics you see today.
Development of Ceramics in China
The Chinese industry started developing between the sixth and the ninth century, and one of the factors that contributed to this was the discovery of porcelain. Around this time, porcelain dishes were just popular among the Chinese and maybe a few other Asian communities. However, once the transoceanic trade developed, it influenced the growth of the Chinese ceramic industry. No other place was producing elegant, harder, and denser porcelain like China. Because of this, their ceramics became a valued item in trade.
How Ceramics Spread From China
As a form of art, ceramics are probably the only art that has been present throughout Chinese history. In terms of production, artistic refinement, technical innovation, global impact, and aesthetic diversity, the Chinese can confidently claim to be the leaders in all these. Porcelain, or ceramic in general, started circulating in Europe during the Ming Dynasty. This was between 1368 and 1644. But even before that, Chinese ceramics were already in circulation among Asian countries.
Ceramic pottery is quite old and can be found around the world. However, the unique properties of ceramics, such as high resistance to shock, translucence, and significant strength, make it a great Chinese contribution to the world.
Global Influences of Ceramics
By the 17th Century, Europe was importing millions of Chinese ceramics. This encouraged an exchange of designs, shapes, and technology that can still be found today. The Chinese started copying European glass, wood, and metal vessels, while Chinese shapes like teapots got introduced into Europe. A fun fact that most people don’t know is that teapots originated in China. The first teapots made were called Zisha, and they’re quite costly today.
That aside, when the Chinese made ceramics, they decorated them with visual art using birds, flowers, and natural and mythical animals. These visuals were interpreted in porcelain made in France, England, and Germany.
Why Has There Been a Bloom in Ceramics Over the Last Few Years?
One can safely say that the world has become obsessed with ceramic products. Previously, artists only made dishes and vases using ceramics. But today, they have more uses than that. They are considered art objects. For instance, they can also be used to explain the history, as experts like Fiona Chalom explain. That’s just how influential ceramic has become. Also, they’re used as decorative objects to make spaces more appealing.
Anything made of ceramic materials is hard, strong, and highly resistant to shock. More than that, it’s appealing. Thanks to China’s invention, people can enjoy this material in different forms, such as deco items, gifts, and dishes.
