Human world

Chinese ceramics

This high quality porcelain vase was made in China in the 18th century, possibly as a gift for the Dalai Lama. In 1920 the 13th Dalai Lama presented it to the British Political Officer, Charles Bell.

"The Chinese ship porcelain ware to India and other countries and to my homeland (Morocco). These ceramics are indeed the best in the world."

Ibn Abdullah (1304-77 AD)

China has one of the longest histories of pottery making in the world.

Chinese craftspeople have made pottery for 8000 years. China started to trade its ceramics with other parts of Asia 2000 years ago. They were the first to make porcelain in the 7th century. By the 12th century, there was enough porcelain for use in China to start exporting it around the world.

Porcelain arrived in Europe in the 14th century. Some believed it was made of shells. The word porcelain comes from the Italian word 'porcellana' - or cowry shell.

The Chinese potters kept how they made porcelain a closely guarded secret. European potters only learnt how to make it 400 years later.

Learn more about Chinese ceramics here:

• Chinese ceramics of the Han, Song and Yuan dynasties (2nd century BC - 14th century AD)
• 17th and 18th century Chinese ceramics
• 18th century porcelain vase