Shard

12th-11th century B.C.

This shard shows that the white-firing clay called kaolin was known at least 3,200 years ago. However, the insufficient firing resulted in a white earthenware instead of hard porcelain. Earthenware is a type of ceramic that is low-fired, permeable, and often unglazed.

The molded rectilinear spirals are similar to a background pattern found on contemporary ritual bronzes; the form, as revealed by the few intact white earthenware vessels, is also similar to that of the bronzes. Clearly, white earthenware was made in imitation of bronze, and shared its high status.

White earthenware with molded decoration

3 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 5/16 in. (8.89 x 10.48 x 0.8 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

41.2

Photo: Paul Macapia

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe", February 17, 2000-May 7, 2000 (2/17/2000 - 5/7/2000)

Published ReferencesBrinker, Helmut. "The Décor Styles of Shang White Pottery," in Archives of Asian Art, Vol. 21 (1967/1968), pp. 39-62; p. 57, fig. 25

Emerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000 pg. 17

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