Chinese Ceramics
Highly sought after and famed for their delicacy and intricacy of design, Shimu’s range of Chinese ceramics are available in a diverse range of beautiful designs and types. From instantly recognisable blue and white patterned vases, decorated with country scenes, to ginger jars and rustic stoneware pots, Chinese ceramics make the perfect accessories for modern homes and interiors.
Here at Shimu we offer a wide range of elegant ceramic items for your home, covering everything from ceramic stools and umbrella stands, to vases, storage jars, figurines and stone statues. Whether you’re looking for something rustic and traditional, or delicate and decorative, our collection of new and antique Chinese ceramics has the perfect piece for your home.
The long history of Chinese ceramics
Chinese ceramics, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship, have a history that spans thousands of years. Originating during the Neolithic period, the earliest Chinese pottery was simple and unglazed, primarily serving utilitarian purposes. The Yangshao and Longshan cultures are two notable early examples, with their distinctive painted and black pottery, respectively.
The Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) saw the introduction of more advanced pottery techniques, leading to the creation of finer, more intricate pieces. However, it was during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) that ceramics truly began to flourish. The Han era witnessed the production of the first glazed ceramics, with green-glazed wares being particularly popular. These ceramics were not only functional but also served as burial items, reflecting the beliefs and customs of the time.
The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) brought about further innovations, with the introduction of the famous sancai (three-coloured) glazed pottery. These wares, often in the form of camels and horses, are characterised by their vibrant yellow, green, and white glazes.
The Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) is often hailed as the golden age of Chinese ceramics. During this period, the renowned celadon wares with their subtle greenish-blue glazes were produced, epitomising the aesthetic values of the time. The Song era also saw the birth of the exquisite blue-and-white porcelain, although it was during the subsequent Yuan and Ming dynasties that this style truly reached its zenith.
The Ming (1368–1644 CE) and Qing (1644–1912 CE) dynasties continued to build on this legacy, producing some of the most iconic and sought-after ceramics in history. The blue-and-white wares of the Ming era, with their intricate patterns and motifs, is especially celebrated. The Qing dynasty, on the other hand, is known for its famille rose and famille verte porcelains, which feature intricate designs in a multitude of colours.
Today, Chinese ceramics remain a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess, with collectors and enthusiasts from around the world cherishing these exquisite pieces.
Shop for Chinese porcelain and ceramics at Shimu
Here at Shimu we offer a wide range of beautiful new and antique Chinese porcelain and ceramic items for your home. Every item in our ever-changing collection of antiques has been carefully selected by us for its quality and beauty, offering you the chance to bring a unique touch of original history into your home. New items are of the highest quality and many are made for us by skilled artisans in and around Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China, using traditional skills and techniques to create pieces made to replicate original designs.
Chinese ceramics are equally at home in contemporary and more traditional interiors so why not consider adding a couple of these eye-catching items to your home? Many Chinese ceramic items are as beautiful as they are practical and antique ginger jars, for example, make wonderful kitchen storage, whilst ceramic stools are perfect as seating in the bathroom or garden.
Our products are available to buy online directly from our website for convenient delivery to your doorstep. Alternatively, why not pay us a visit at our light and airy showroom which is located in Albion Mills, Greengates, West Yorkshire?
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