China, or porcelain, is made by molding china clay into desired shapes, glazed and fired at 1200 Celsius.

You can hear a clear metallic sound if you tap a piece of china.

Porcelain was first made by craftsmen in Zhejiang province during the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220).

Those first china had a blue tint. Black glazed porcelain was also successfully made around that time.

Compared with earthenware, porcelain is sturdier and more pleasing to the eye. Porcelain is far cheaper to make than bronze ware. The raw material could be found almost anywhere in China. Thus, porcelain became popular around that time and was used for everyday household purposes.

In the Wei-Jin (220-420) and Nan-Bei Chao (420-589) periods, the Yueyao ceramic kiln in Zhejiang province achieved the manufacture of very high-quality

china. Its pieces had a signature blue tint. White glazed china later appeared in northern China. This was the start of the popular phrase in describing Chinese porcelain: “Southern blue and Northern white”.

Along with tea and silk, china was exported to foreign countries through the Silk Road.

China-making flourished in the Song dynasty (960- 1279). Dingyao, Yaozhouyao, Junyao, Cizhouayo, Longquanyao, and Jiangxi kiln centers were established. They were the six most famous kiln centers with master craftsmen.

Exquisite and beautiful china represents a peak in the development of China’s pottery. This piece of Song dynasty (960–1279) china might have been a common item in every household, while today it is a priceless treasure. It’s a pity that Chinese people have lost most of their ancestral treasures.