Chinese Ceramics Overview:
221-220 BC: Terracotta Warriors
Tang Dynasty :The Silk Road Celadon's(quingci) is popular. 3 colored ware of this time period featured Yellow, Green and White wares. Motifs become multicultural due to travel and the Silk Road
Song Dynasty: 960-1279 Motif's include Nature and Daily life. Simple forms
Yuan Dynasty:1279-1368 Blue and White pottery was produced.
Ming Dynasty: 1368-1644: Perfected the blue and white porcelain . Decorative motif changed as each new emperor took the throne. Considered Superior in quality to collectors because of the craftsmanship quality.
Qing Dynasty: 1644-1910: Known for it's 5 color porcelain wares.Artists used decorative schemes: Flowers,landscape and figurative scenes.
Symbolism in Chinese Ceramics
Symbols change over time. In many cultures the same image can symbolize completely opposite ideas. As you will see in this video. Symbols mean different things at different times in History. Its important to understand this point.