Chinese ceramics show a continuous development since pre-dynastic times and are one of the most significant forms of Chinese art and ceramics globally. The first pottery was made during the Palaeolithic era. Chinese ceramics range from construction materials such as bricks and tiles, to hand-built pottery vessels fired in bonfires or kilns, to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made for the imperial court and for export. Porcelain was a Chinese invention and is so identified with China that it is still called "china" in everyday English usage.
a pair of complementary flasks from Yongle period (1402–1424) in the Ming dynasty
Pair of famille rose vases with landscapes of the four seasons, 1760–1795
A black pottery cooking cauldron from the Hemudu culture (c. 5000 – c. 3000 BC)
Painted jar of the Majiayao culture, Late Neolithic period (3300–2200 BC)
Chinese art is visual art that originated in or is practiced in China, Greater China or by Chinese artists. Art created by Chinese residing outside of China can also be considered a part of Chinese art when it is based on or draws on Chinese culture, heritage, and history. Early "Stone Age art" dates back to 10,000 BC, mostly consisting of simple pottery and sculptures. After that period, Chinese art, like Chinese history, was typically classified by the succession of ruling dynasties of Chinese emperors, most of which lasted several hundred years. The Palace Museum in Beijing and the National Palace Museum in Taipei contains extensive collections of Chinese art.
Two flasks with dragons; 1403–1424; underglaze blue porcelain
Auspicious Cranes by Emperor Huizong depicting a scene on top of Kaifeng city gate, 16th January 1112.
Shang bronze vessel, 2nd millennium BC
a section of the Nine Dragons scroll, 1244 CE
