Sui Dynasty
China - Sui Dynasty
In 589 AD, the Chinese empire was reunited under Yang Chien in the Sui Dynasty. This Dynasty is often viewed as a transitional period between the Southern & Northern Dynasties and the longer lasting Tang Dynasty. In that the Sui Dynasty only lasted three decades, it still (to this day) leaves memorable impressions of the classic Shou-Chou ware, Hsiang Yin ware, Green ware, and most notably the Sui Dynasty White ware. The Sui Dynasty potters began to work in different forms as well as the many colored wares. Some of the chicken head, dragon, and phoenix head Ewers are recognized around the world to this day.
During the Sui Dynasty, the ongoing lotus theme of the many Dynasties prior began to fade in popularity to the more popular geometric designs. In the Sui pottery, we begin to see a greater sweetness and serenity in the flowing lines of the animal?shaped ewers. The Dynasties before were so filled with war and uncertainty that, by the time the Tang Dynasty began, we had already seen the Sui Dynasty begin to pave the road for the more lively and active sculptures we were about to see developing during the Tang Dynasty.