Rongchang Craft Pottery

Rongchang Craft Pottery

　　Chongqing's Rongchang ceramics industry evolved from coarse pottery during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty to "clay essence" in the Xianfeng reign, then to carved patterns, colored glazes in the Guangxu reign, and underglaze colors in the Republican era. In terms of kiln types, they developed from steamer kilns and through-kilns to stepped kilns, using primarily pine wood as fuel. After liberation, the industry transitioned from wood-fired to coal-fired kilns. In glazing techniques, it inherited the color-glazed decorations from the Tang and Song dynasties and developed a variety of glaze colors.

　　The clay used is fine, dense, highly malleable, and has good sintering properties. The resulting craft pottery products produce a crisp, pleasant sound when tapped, feature delicate and elegant shapes, have smooth and glossy glazes, and display simple yet tasteful decorations—both practical and aesthetically pleasing.