Exhibition of Shaping Clay into Myriad Forms

The latest exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum, Shaping Clay into Myriad Forms — Ceramic Art Across Ancient Eastern and Western Civilizations, offers a fascinating journey through time and cultures, showcasing the artistry of ceramics across civilizations. 

It’s not just an exhibition. It’s an art feast that highlights the ceramic techniques, cultures, and exchanges between the ancient East and West.

In this stunning exhibition, over 200 pieces of ceramic artifacts from China, the Mesopotamian region, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and other civilizations are displayed, spanning from the Neolithic period to pre-industrial revolution times. These exquisite ceramics not only show the diversity of human civilizations but also illustrate the exchanges and integration between different cultures.

One of the key highlights of the exhibition is the dialogue between Eastern and Western ceramics. From China’s celadon and painted pottery to Western glazed ceramics and painted pottery, each piece tells a story of ancient craftsmanship and innovation. Visitors can also compare the similarities and differences in glazing, firing, and decoration techniques, as well as explore how Chinese porcelain influenced Islamic ceramics or how Greek painted pottery inspired Central Asian art.

Ancient Egyptian artifacts: a faience rosetteinlay, scarab, and a cosmetic box. Photos by Yu Xiyao

A terracotta amphora.

A terracotta krater. 

A terracotta skyphos.

Ancient ritual vessels: Horse’s head rhyton,Bull’s head rhyton, and Nike statuette.

A barrel-shaped jug.

A ram-shaped rhyton. 

A beak-spouted pot with anthropomorphic handle.

A terracotta temple model.

An anthropomorphic vessel.

An anthropomorphic urn.

A zebu-shaped vessel.