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Photo: Paul Macapia
Shard
Photo: Paul Macapia

Shard

Date12th-11th century B.C.
Label TextThis 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.
Object number41.2
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
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
Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions3 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 5/16 in. (8.89 x 10.48 x 0.8 cm)
MediumWhite earthenware with molded decoration
Square Plate
Chinese
9th-10th century
Object number: 40.5
Photo: Paul Macapia
Chinese
8th-9th century
Object number: 44.8
Sue ware vase with figures and cups
Japanese
mid 6th century
Object number: 56.119
Four-sided vase
Chinese
206 B.C.-A.D. 8
Object number: 35.2
Large round vase
Chinese
206 B.C.-A.D. 8
Object number: 37.1
Sancai ware
Chinese
8th century
Object number: 51.84
Chinese
1279-1368
Object number: 88.125
Photo: Paul Macapia
Chinese
1127-1279
Object number: 45.78
Photo: Paul Macapia
Chinese
late 16th - early 17th century
Object number: 54.120
Photo: Paul Macapia
Chinese
12th century
Object number: 33.645
Chinese
11th-13th century
Object number: 2005.193
Dish
Japanese, Arita
ca. 1730
Object number: 92.47.22.1