Research on Proto-porcelain and How It Reflects the Changes in Peoples Life

Proto-porcelain is a transition product between pottery and porcelain. It was born around 1700 BCE and left the stage of history around 400 AD. The southern part of China is one of the main places where proto-porcelain originated. As a functional object, it almost has the same dominance as pottery and bronze wares, being used for daily life or religion. However, it has distinct functions compared to other objects in the same era as well. For instance, as a kind of proto-porcelain, it has many differences with the real china which has higher sintering temperature and more complete glaze. This paper aims to find and clear up the characteristics, development, and era significance of proto-porcelain through literature research. According to analysis, it is found that proto-porcelain reflects the breakthrough of the technique of making porcelain, as well as the change of peoples aesthetic trends over the time.