Introduction
China is a nation of rich cultural tradition, having enjoyed the longest continuous development, extending from the Neolithic period up to the present day. It is prudent to conclude that even though outside influences entered China at various stages in ancient times, Chinese civilization developed mainly from its distinctive roots. Vast archaeological discoveries have proved that the great ceramic sunrise occurred at least 8,000 years ago.
The time span of this exhibition runs from the Neolithic period in the fourth millennium B.C. to Qing dynasty (1644-1911). In many periods, varying types of ceramics were made simultaneously in different areas; for example, in the Tang dynasty kilns stretching from Hebei in the north to Zhejiang in the south produced wares of great importance. This exhibition is remarkable in exploring the fascinating lesser known periods of Liao (907-1125) and Jin (1115-1234), and the complexities of the Northern and Southern dynasties (317-589). Some other objects such as ancient Roman glass, Persian tri-colored pottery, and Japanese ceramics from the Edo period (1603-1867) are offered as comparative examples in this exhibition.