Chinese Porcelain and 5 Dynastic Kilns

The history of tea in China is deeply intertwined with the development of ceramics and porcelain. Materials, shapes, firing techniques, and glazing styles evolved over the centuries alongside the ways of preparing and drinking tea.

In this online mini-course We explore the fundamentals of Chinese ceramics and porcelain, their materials and techniques, and some of the most influential kilns and production centers in history. From the ancient dragon kilns and the development of celadon to the extraordinary diversity of the Song Dynasty, Jingdezhen, and the porcelain of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Throughout the tour, you'll learn about styles and traditions such as the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty—Ci Zhou, Ji Zhou, Yi Xing, Jian Shui, Jian Yang, Chao Zhou, and Yao Zhou—as well as Qinghua porcelain and Dehua porcelain.

What are you going to explore?

• The fundamental differences between earthenware, stoneware, pottery, and porcelain.
• Clays, minerals, kaolin, vitrification, and firing temperatures.
• The technological development of Chinese kilns and the Long Yao, or dragon kilns.
• The historical evolution of ceramics from the earliest pieces through the Han, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties.
• Celadon and the Major Ceramic Developments of the Song Dynasty.
• The Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty and Other Historic Production Centers.
• Jingdezhen and its central role in the history of Chinese porcelain.
• Ceramic traditions associated with tea, such as Yi Xing, Jian Shui, Jian Yang, and Chao Zhou.
• Qinghua porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties and Dehua porcelain.
• The relationship between the material, the thermal behavior of the teapots, and the preparation of tea.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to a world of technical and artistic development spanning thousands of years, with a special focus on the relationship between ceramics, porcelain, and Chinese tea culture.

Format: 100% online and at your own pace.

Approximate duration: 5 hours, 56 minutes.