Art of East Asia: Neolithic & Bronze Age China
Kuei, in white ceramic from Linyi in Shantung province. Many examples
of Long Shan vessels demonstrate a highly level of aesthetic evolution
in design. The elegant compound curves and exponential (sections of a spiral)
curves of this Kuei pitcher bespeak of a sophisticated aesthetic governing
the manufacture of these goods. In addition, there is an obvious technical
level of accomplishment in the joined sections, the pulled handle and the
sculpted spout that suggest there was a very elaborate ceramic technology
in place. What is most interesting that the white pottery type may be
a precedent for the white ware of the Shang period.
