GSP151 Introduction to Chinese Ceramics: New Stone Age to
Five Dynasties
Level: 1
Credit Units: 5 Credit Units
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY
Synopsis:
Through this course, students will discover the development of Chinese ceramics, over the period from
the Neolithic Age to the Five Dynasties. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
identify the various Neolithic earthenware by region and period and early Chinese ceramics by dynasty
and type, be able to explain the scientific processes of their production and to display understanding of
general concepts and techniques of differentiating genuine antique artifacts from contemporary copies.
Topics:
ƔPhysical properties of clay and transforming clay to procelain via kiln firing
ƔChemical and colour changes of glazes during oxidation and reduction firing in the kiln
ƔNew Stone Age society and chance discovery of the making of earthenware
ƔThe earthenware of selected Neolithic cultures
ƔThe earthenware of Xia and Shang Dynasties
ƔShang invention of dragon kiln and proto-porcelain, Shang white earthenware and chance
discovery of ash glaze
ƔThe ceramics of Zhou, Qin and Han Dynasties
ƔThe invention of porcelain during the Eastern Han Dynasty
ƔHan lead glaze and its iridescence and physical process of formation
ƔThe ceramics of Jin, the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sui Dynasty
ƔThe ceramics of the Tang and Five Dynasties and the invention of underglazes
Textbooks:
He Li: Chinese Ceramics: The New Standard Guide
ISBN-13: 9780500286234
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Learning Outcome:
ƔDemonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of ceramic production
ƔExplain the scientific basis of ceramic
ƔIdentify ceramics by period or dynasty
ƔExplain the function of various types of ceramic artefacts
ƔIdentify the decorative motifs of ceramics from various periods or dynasties.
ƔDevelop an understanding of dating methods in the evaluation of antique Chinese ceramics
Assessment Strategies:
Continuous Assessment Component
CLASS TEST
CLASS TEST
Sub-Total
Weightage (%)
25
25
50
Examinable Component
Written Exam
Sub-Total
Weightage (%)
50
50
Weightage Total
100
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