L'histoire de la céramique à travers les âges

The history of ceramics through the ages

Let’s retrace the history of Ceramics together!

It is a treasure trove of history , a window into our past, and an essential part of our culture and heritage. Fasten your seatbelts and embark with us on a journey full of surprises !

Time Travel

Let’s take a journey through time to discover the roots of ceramics. The first traces of ceramic objects date back to around 45,000 to 10,000 BC, to the Upper Paleolithic. At that time, civilizations began to shape terracotta to create kitchen utensils, cultural figurines of “goddesses” and “Venuses,” and works of art. These early pieces were simply dried in the sun. The Dolni Vestonice site in Moldova holds a special place in the history of ceramics as the first site to reveal terracotta sculptures.

Firing pottery became widespread around 10,000 B.C. This innovation allowed for the creation of more durable and resilient objects. Ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks, perfected the art of firing pottery, producing jars, amphorae, statues, and painted ceramics that were both functional and aesthetically beautiful.

Birth of Porcelain

A little later, in China, in the heart of the Han Dynasty, porcelain was born between 100 and 200 AD, in the province of Zhejiang. Porcelain was then renowned for its finesse, translucency and resistance. Over the centuries, Chinese porcelain became a valuable commodity traded along the Silk Road, reaching Europe and greatly influencing Western ceramic art.

Renaissance & Ceramics in Europe

The Renaissance period in Europe, around 1480, marked an artistic revival for ceramics. The workshops of Limoges, France, produced dazzling enamels on porcelain and earthenware pieces. These enamels were prized for their artistic refinement and their use in the decoration of jewelry and luxury objects.

The 20th Century and Modern Ceramics

The 20th century saw ceramics evolve into more modern and abstract forms. Artists such as Pablo Picasso explored ceramics as a new expression of their creativity, creating unique works.

Today, a creative renewal 

Today, ceramics continue to evolve and inspire new generations of artists and artisans. Contemporary ceramicists explore a variety of styles, techniques and forms, pushing the boundaries of the art of terracotta. All of this continues to inspire new generations, proving that this adventure through time is far from over.

Three photos of ceramics by current artists

Did you know?

A 9,000-year-old ceramic jar has been discovered in China, containing the oldest beer ever found. Imagine traveling back in time while enjoying a thousand-year-old beverage! Ceramic was used to make dentures in ancient Egypt! The Egyptians were known for their medical advancements, and they used ceramic teeth to replace lost ones, giving radiant smiles even in the time of the pharaohs!

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