Discover the World of Antique Chinese Pottery

Sought after for centuries by discerning collectors and style-conscious homeowners alike, antique Chinese pottery is revered and appreciated for its simple elegance and intricate design details. Here at Shimu, we offer a wide range of beautiful reproduction pieces designed to replicate the superb quality and rich decoration found in original antique pottery from China. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to create a focal point in your living room or a unique option for kitchen storage, our wonderful collection is perfect for reproducing the style and charm of antique Chinese pottery in your home.

A Brief History of Antique Chinese Pottery

Chinese pottery boasts one of the longest continuous traditions in material culture. Its roots can be traced to the Neolithic period, where hand-built vessels were made for storage, cooking and ritual. These early wares, often decorated with simple painted designs, set the foundation for later technical mastery.

By the Shang and Zhou dynasties, artisans had introduced high-fired stoneware. This development marked a turning point, as kilns reached greater temperatures and glazes began to appear. Pottery at this stage was functional and also symbolic, often associated with ceremony and ancestral rites.

The Han dynasty saw further refinement as moulding techniques enabled the mass production of burial objects, including models of houses, animals, and servants. These mingqi items reflected both daily life and beliefs about the afterlife. The Tang dynasty then opened a flourishing era of creativity, with sancai, or three colour wares, becoming well known. The bold glazes of green, amber and cream adorned figures and vessels that reveal the confidence of that age.

During the Song dynasty, a new aesthetic emerged. Restraint and balance characterised the celebrated wares of kilns such as Ru, Guan, Ding and Longquan. Subtle glazes, refined forms and quiet beauty defined the period, setting a standard that later collectors would prize above all others.

The Yuan dynasty witnessed the rise of blue and white porcelain, produced with imported cobalt. This innovation linked China with global trade, as demand spread through the Middle East and into Europe. The Ming and Qing dynasties carried these traditions to new heights, with Imperial patronage encouraging ever more elaborate decoration and technical perfection. Fast-forward to today, and antique Chinese pottery remains a source of fascination, valued both as an art form and as a record of cultural exchange across centuries.

Get the Look of Antique Chinese Pottery

If you’d like to create the look of antique Chinese pottery, we offer a wonderful collection of pottery, china and ornaments designed to replicate the style and elegance of original pieces. From iconic blue and white painted ginger jars, vases and lamps, to ceramic stools, bowls and umbrella stands, our range has the perfect pottery pieces to help you create a unique and stylish home.

Black Lacquer Furniture | Blue and White Ginger Jar | Chinese Artwork | Chinese Tableware | Buddha Head | Green Chinese Ginger Jar | Chinese Blue Lamp | Oriental Rugs | Oriental Cabinet | Chinese Sideboards | Mango Furniture | Chinese Furniture | Chinese Buddha | Blue Chinese Rug | Large Buddha Statue | Chinese Temple | Dragon Necklace | Second Hand Chinese Furniture | Chinese Coffee Tables | Chinese Medicine Cabinet | Chinese Armoire | Chinese Furniture Birmingham | Chinese Furniture Glasgow | Chinoiserie | Chinese Lanterns | Chinese Figurines | Calligraphy Brushes | Chinese Lamp Shades | Modern Chinese Interior Design | Old Antique Wooden Boxes | Chinese Console Tables