HISTORY

Chinese ceramic ware shows a continuous development since the pre-dynastic periods, and is one of the most significant forms of Chinese art. China is richly endowed with the raw materials needed for making ceramics. The first types of ceramics were made during the Palaeolithic era. Chinese Ceramics range from construction materials such as bricks and tiles, to hand-built pottery vessels fired in bonfires or kilns, to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made for the imperial court.

Porcelain is so identified with China that it is still called “china” in everyday English usage. Most later Chinese ceramics, even of the finest quality, were made on an industrial scale, thus few names of individual potters were recorded. Many of the most renowned workshops were owned by or reserved for the Emperor, and large quantities of ceramics were exported as diplomatic gifts or for trade from an early date.

Origins of Vases


We offer a prized collection of antique imperial vases. Chinese porcelains were introduced to Europe in the fourteenth century. They were viewed as objects of great rarity and luxury. Learn more about our antique imperial vases on our HISTORY page.

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Origins of Bowls

A priceless collection of antique porcelain bowls ranging from the prized eggshell production techniques employed by the Ming dynasty artisans to the delicate imperial porcelain bowls. Learn more about our antique eggshell bowls on our HISTORY page.

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