Chinese ceramic history dates back well over eight thousand years ago, when early Chinese ceramists were experimenting with shaping earthenware. Soon after, during the late Neolithic Period (6000-1000 B.C) the Potter’s Wheel was invented. As early adopters of this invention, its use began a new age in Chinese ceramic shaping. Much advancement in shaping followed in later dynasties, as did the discoveries of high fired and low fired glazing, colour pigmentation, stamp decoration and moulding. It was during the T’ang Dynasty (618-906 A.D) however, that saw the greatest technical innovations and artistic achievements influencing dynasties to come and inspiring ceramists all over the world. Of these innovations, it was the development of porcelain almost 800 years before it was discovered in Europe that would have the greatest effect on China and the ceramic world. This discovery established China as being synonymous with ceramics and played a significant part in China’s early trading. Its demand along the trade routes from as early on as the 1400 A.D established its popularity and is the reason we call our ceramic “fine china”. Since then, little has changed in the way of Chinese ceramic innovation and artistic value. Ceramics are still shaped by hand, with most ceramists working in small groups using traditional techniques. Colour and design in pattern, shape and style is forever being experimented with as a new generation of Chinese ceramists draw upon family knowledge and current cultural inspirations. One of the emerging trends is the reproduction of classic Ming Dynasty pieces. These meticulous reproductions take the artist approximately 30 hours to paint by hand. The artists at work can be seen in the images to the right. The attention to detail, talent and tenacity is to be found within every piece that passes through both the ceramist and artist hands. It is this pride in Chinese ceramic history that ensures a beautiful and timeless ceramic piece is created every time.