Chinese porcelain can be initially dated back to Shang and Zhou Dynasties (from the 16 th century B.C to 771 B.C). Actual porcelain wares came into being in Han Dynasty. In Tang Dynasty, the art and technique of porcelain was quite mature and highly developed in Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Shang and Zhou Dynasties were transitional period from pottery to porcelain. Due to the primitive technique, the color of porcelain was rather dark. Till Han Dynasty, the colors were much brighter, like pale green, yellowish green and brownish green with diversified decorative designs and patterns.

In Tang Dynasty, Yue Kiln and Changsha Kiln were the most famous celadon kilns. The porcelain of Yue Kiln has ever been reputed as " Jade Green Over Thousand Mountains " and "Bright Pearl in Porcelain" with shinning green and yellow color, graceful design and elegant decoration. The glaze colouring and the moulding techniques of the Sancai style demonstrated superior skills. Horse and camel were frequently-used subject.

In Song Dynasty, there are five famous kilns: Ding, Jun, Ge, Ru and Guan. T win-color glaze was a significant achievement. Blue color splashed over black glaze produced smooth and easy lines. In Ming and Qing dynasties, blue and white porcelain are the major products.

Famous manufacturing areas of porcelain are: Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province, Liling in Hunan province, Shiwan and Fengxi in Guangdong province, Yixing in Jiangsu province, Tangshan and Handan in Hebei province, Zibo in Shandong province.